Law enforcement officers have intercepted a major drug smuggling operation, apprehending two men transporting bhang worth Ksh9 million.
Daniel Okoth and Erick Ombima were caught red-handed smuggling 300kg of marijuana into the country using a Land Cruiser Prado. The duo had planned to sneak the drugs through the Nyametaburo route, intending to join the Isebania-Migori highway at Mabera.
A statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) read, “From Toyota Kenya’s description, the elegance of Land Cruiser Prado, sleek shape and its imposing grille affirm its powerful and statutory image. Maybe, it’s this magnificent description of the machine that convinced Daniel Okoth and Erick Ombima that they had the perfect vehicle to sneak 300kg of Marijuana into the country from one of our neighbours. Unbeknownst to them, no level of elegance could beat police intelligence networks. In the company of two men, Daniel Okoth was entrusted to chauffeur Sh9 million worth of the banned substance to Kenya through Nyametaburo route and later join Isebania – Migori highway at Mabera.”
Their journey took an unexpected turn when they encountered a police roadblock near the Karamu Bridge area.
In a reckless attempt to evade capture, the driver nearly injured one of the officers, further escalating the situation.
“Bumping into a police roadblock that provided a safe distance to pull over for a search, the driver opted to drive past the officers nearly running over one of them. But with their 40th day at night, three well-calculated rapid shots from an AK47 benumbed his accelerator foot, prematurely terminating their journey. During the rumpus, one male occupant scampered off like a terrified rat into the thickets, but Okoth, Obima and their drug haul stuffed in the KCL 532E Prado were rounded up. The prohibited cargo numbered 6 gunny bags,” DCI stated.
Despite the capture of the two suspects, one male occupant managed to escape into the nearby thickets during the chaos.
Efforts to locate and apprehend the fugitive are currently underway.The DCI has urged the public to continue providing information on drug traffickers to aid in the fight against illegal drug trade and ensure the safety of communities.
