Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sounded a tough warning to drug traffickers after a multi-agency operation in Kitale led to the seizure of cannabis valued at over Sh3 million.

The Sunday night raid, carried out on July 27, 2025, involved officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), Administration Police, local police, and officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

Acting on weeks of intelligence and surveillance, the team stormed a residential property suspected to be a major drug hub on the outskirts of Kitale town.

Six suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities say the seized cannabis was meticulously packed in sacks and was likely destined for distribution in multiple towns within the region.

The raid occurred just hours before the Jukwaa la Usalama Trans Nzoia security forum, underlining the government’s renewed push to dismantle drug networks operating across the country.

CS Murkomen, in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, July 28, praised the successful operation and issued a stern warning to those involved in the drug trade.

"We must take decisive action to protect our communities, especially the youth, from the destructive grip of drugs and illegal brews,” he wrote. “These crackdowns will intensify until we stamp out this menace from every corner of the country."

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa also applauded the raid, saying it reflected growing momentum in the national campaign against drug and substance abuse.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activity.

“This seizure sends a powerful message to all involved in the drug trade: we are coming for you. Whether you're a user, trafficker, or distributor, the law will catch up with you,” said Dr. Omerikwa.

He further revealed that the raid was made possible through support from Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who facilitated the deployment of a specialized team to ensure the mission's success.

The Kitale operation marks a significant stride in the government’s crackdown on drug trafficking, with more coordinated raids expected in the coming weeks as authorities escalate the war on narcotics.