Officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have dismantled a major cannabis operation in Kisumu County following a coordinated pre-dawn raid conducted on Tuesday.
The operation led to the seizure of cannabis valued at more than Ksh4 million and the arrest of a suspected female drug kingpin, who was taken into custody for the second time in less than a year.
During the sting, NACADA operatives also raided a drug den located directly opposite the main gate of Ahero Girls’ High School, where several parcels of cannabis were recovered.
Authorities said the location of the den raised serious concerns about the exposure of school going children to illicit drugs.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa condemned the brazen nature of the operation, saying traffickers had now moved their activities to the doorstep of learning institutions.
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“The discovery of narcotics being sold directly across from a school shows how bold these criminals have become, they have taken their operations to our learning institutions, but we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure schools remain safe spaces.” Dr. Omerikwa said.
The school administration, which worked closely with NACADA during the operation, welcomed the crackdown. A senior school official, who requested anonymity, said the drug den had posed a serious threat to students for a long time.
Residents said the den has endangered learners for years, its proximity to the school was frightening, especially when national surveys show children can be exposed to drugs as early as seven years old.
NACADA said the raids form part of an intensified, intelligence-led enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling drug networks, with additional measures including prosecution and asset forfeiture.
The operation has highlighted the extent of drug trafficking within the community, while also offering reassurance that authorities are stepping up efforts to protect the public, particularly children, from the dangers of illicit drugs.
By Obegi Malack
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