Police in Kuria West Sub-County, Migori County, have arrested two suspects and recovered narcotics and illicit brew in a raid in Kehancha Town. This is part of the ongoing crackdown against illicit activities in the region.
According to police, the first arrest involved a 46-year-old female suspect, who was found in possession of a black bag containing 179 rolls of cannabis, four packets of Super Match Export cigarettes, and Sh21,140 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal trade.
The discovery highlights “a deliberate network of drug peddling in Kehancha,” raising fresh concerns about the spread of narcotics in the border town.
“The cash recovered is suspected to be direct proceeds from the illicit trade, showing the scale of the underground economy fueling narcotic abuse,” a senior police officer who participated in the raid said.
In a follow-up search within the same premises, officers also arrested a second suspect and recovered additional rolls of cannabis and a 10-litre jerrican of chang’aa, which is an illicit brew banned under Kenyan law.
Both suspects were immediately taken into custody and are expected to be processed and arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) on September 19, 2025, commended the swift action by officers in Migori and praised the role of the public in sharing information that led to the successful raid.
“We thank members of the public for providing timely intelligence that enabled this operation. The fight against crime, drugs, and illicit liquor requires the cooperation of all stakeholders,” the statement read.
The NPS further encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity to their nearest police station or through official hotlines, assuring them that all reports would be treated with confidentiality.
The arrests come against the backdrop of increased concern about drug abuse and illegal brewing in parts of Migori County, especially in Kuria sub-counties, which border Tanzania.
Security agencies have in the past raised alarm over the smuggling of narcotics and contraband goods across the porous border, fueling addiction, school dropouts, and insecurity.
Community leaders have voiced their concerns about the growing prevalence of bhang (cannabis) use among youth, warning that it threatens to erode gains made in education and economic empowerment.
“The easy access to bhang and chang’aa in some villages is destroying the future of our young people,” said a local elder in Kehancha. “We urge the government to intensify crackdowns while also providing rehabilitation programs.”
“This operation should send a clear indicator to those engaged in this illegal trade,” said the regional police commander. “We will continue working closely with the public to ensure our communities remain safe and free from drugs.”
