DCI detectives in Malindi have intercepted a Toyota Vanguard packed with cannabis worth millions, following a high-speed chase and attempted disguise by the driver. The abandoned vehicle was later recovered in Mayungu with 12 sacks of bhang, as officers intensify the hunt for the suspect.
The operation unfolded on September 24, 2025, after officers received crucial intelligence about a vehicle ferrying an illicit consignment through Malindi.
Acting on the leads, detectives mounted an operation targeting a silver Toyota Vanguard, registration number KCK 810C, spotted at Gede area. Officers flagged down the vehicle for inspection, but instead of complying, the driver chose to evade capture.
In a desperate bid to escape, the motorist swerved off the road, speeding towards Jacaranda Road from Kijiwetanga Junction. What followed was a tense pursuit, with law enforcement hot on his trail.
"A pursuit of the vehicle was launched, and hours later, the SUV was discovered abandoned in Mayungu area; its plates hastily swapped to KCJ 752Z in a futile attempt to outsmart investigators," said a statement.
The disguise, however, did not work. A quick inspection revealed the vehicle was still traceable, and the suspicious modification only raised more alarm.
When officers peered inside the abandoned Toyota Vanguard, they uncovered a staggering 12 sacks of bhang packed tightly from the floor to the roof. The contraband, estimated to be worth millions of shillings, was believed to be destined for distribution across the streets.
The discovery marks one of the most significant narcotics seizures in the coastal town in recent months, highlighting both the persistence of traffickers and the vigilance of law enforcement agencies.
Following the discovery, detectives secured both the vehicle and the narcotics at Malindi Police Station, where they are being held as exhibits. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with officers tracking down the elusive driver who abandoned the vehicle.
The seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and its specialized units to dismantle drug trafficking operations in the country.