NACADA Jericho Raid Nets Over 1,000 Rolls of Bhang, Three in Custody

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 31 – A quiet residential block in Nairobi’s Jericho Estate became the scene of a dramatic drug bust yesterday afternoon. Officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) swooped on a suspected bhang distribution point and arrested three suspects.

Acting on an intelligence tip-off, the officers went to a two-bedroom house in the Buruburu Sub-County estate. A thorough search turned up 936 brown rolls of dry plant material suspected to be bhang. Another 66 red rolls were found stashed in a black polythene bag, bringing the total haul to 1,002 rolls. Officers also recovered a bunch of keys from the house’s store, which now form part of the investigation.

All three occupants of the house were arrested at the scene and booked at Jogoo Road Police Station under OB No. 39/30/10/2026. They are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, 2 November 2026.

Speaking after the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the raid sent a clear message to those profiting from the drug trade.

“Traffickers who set up shop in our neighbourhoods and target our young people have nowhere to hide,” Dr. Omerikwa said. “This operation was intelligence-led, and that intelligence comes from residents who are tired of watching drugs destroy their families. We thank them, and we urge every Kenyan to keep speaking up.”

He said the crackdown would not end with yesterday’s arrests. “This is not a one-day exercise. We are working hand in hand with the National Police Service, and we will pursue every link in this supply chain until our estates are safe.”

Bhang remains one of the most commonly abused drugs in Kenya. The raid shows how traffickers try to operate unnoticed inside ordinary family neighbourhoods, often close to schools, markets and places where young people gather. Taking out supply at street level, where drugs reach users most directly, is a central part of NACADA’s strategy.

Residents of Jericho welcomed the operation. Many said they hoped it would mark a turning point for an estate where families want their children to grow up away from drugs.

Authorities say the operation continues. Anyone with information on drug trafficking is encouraged to call NACADA’s toll-free helpline, 1192, or report to the nearest police station. Callers can remain anonymous.