Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) detectives in Kilifi County are probing a suspected narcotics syndicate involved in illicit drug trade after 316kilograms of bhang were seized being ferried in a posh Toyota Landcruiser.
According to detectives, the illegal haul is estimated to have a street value of Sh.9,480,000.
The illicit consignment was discovered after the relatively expensive private vehicle being used to transport tens of the illicit drug landed into a ditch in a self-involved accident on today afternoon.
Police believe the vehicle used was ostensibly to evade police detection and that powerful shadowy drug cartel is involved in the intricate underworld business.
According to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the bhang was stashed in seven gunny bags ferried along the Kaloleni – Mavueni route in the SUV, which at the time bore registration number KDC 300L.
The vehicle whose right rear tyre was punctured is believed to have been on top speed when it veered off the road, plunging into the ditch and forcing the occupants to flee from the scene.
“Upon search, registration plates KBQ 580K, KBZ 528N, KDA 639A & KDC 947C (the latter akin to parastatal vehicles) were found.” A police report read in part.
The recovery has been secured as an exhibit and the vehicle detained as a search for the perpetrators gets underway.
The seizure comes days after Sh13million was recovered in cash and a suspect identified as Nancy Kigunzu alias Mathe wa Ngara after escaping police dragnet.
She has since been arrested and charged at JKIA law court.
While appearing in court, Kigunzu collapsed during the hearing of her bail application told the court her medical condition needs constant review and medication, and is afraid that if denied bail her condition will get worse.
Appearing before magistrate Njeri Thuku, Kigunzu dismissed allegations that she is a flight risk and that she will abscond court proceedings.
Through her lawyer Danstan Omari, Kigunzu said although she was arrested in Nairobi CBD, her children were arrested in a residential arguing that she has a home and the police offers know.
She further refuted claims that she will interfere with witnesses in the case, saying that all the witnesses are police officers and she has no powers to interfere with them.
Also present in court were Kigunzu’s co-accused Teresia Wanjiru and two others, who also sought to be released on bail.
Through their lawyers, the accused persons say that the prosecution has not established compelling reasons to warrant their stay in remand.
The prosecution had asked the court not to release the four on bail so as not to poison the society.
