- Police have dealt a major blow to drug traffickers after DCI detectives arrested Ephantus Kariuki Mwangi in an intelligence-led operation on January 14
- The 42-year-old suspect was intercepted riding a motorcycle with suspicious luggage, leading to the discovery of 397 grams of opiates carefully concealed
- The Anti-Narcotics Unit confirmed that Kariuki is in custody pending further investigations and formal arraignment
- DCI highlighted that multi-agency operations like this aim to dismantle organised drug networks nationwide
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nakuru – The police have dealt a major blow to drug traffickers after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a suspect linked to opiates worth KSh1.19 million.
Source: UGC
The Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) apprehended Ephantus Kariuki Mwangi during an intelligence-led operation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
He was intercepted while riding a motorcycle, registration number KMEC 785W, when detectives noticed his luggage appeared suspicious.
A subsequent search of the 42-year-old revealed 397 grams of opiates, carefully concealed to evade detection.
Alongside the drugs, officers recovered two syringes and needles, ten rolls of bhang, and three packets of cigarettes, items believed to be part of an ongoing drug distribution.
“The arrest effectively cut short what detectives believe was an active drug supply run,” the DCI reported in a statement, emphasising the operation’s success.
Kariuki is currently held in police custody as detectives carry out further investigations before his formal arraignment in court.
DCI stated its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach, highlighting that the operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug syndicates across Kenya.
“The DCI remains firmly committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks through relentless operations and multi-agency collaboration. With zero tolerance for traffickers, regardless of status, we will ensure a safer, drug-free Kenya for all,” the statement continued.
How did Kenyans react to DCI’s Nakuru success?
The arrest drew varied reactions from Kenyans, with most questioning if he was the culprit and what would be done to the ‘big fish’.
Jackson Ochieng:
“How can 397 grams which is less weight than a normal loaf of bread raise suspicion especially when carried by a motorcycle?🤣😅 yet there are motorcycles carrying 300kg weight of goods… ama alisetiwa?”
Philoh Cryptoking:
“He doesn’t look like a millionaire though, I think he was sent to deliver the luggage”
Muraya Mkenya:
“Not making sense at all … Nway, let us know when you capture the cartel leaders not the delivery people who actually may not even be knowing what they are carrying.”
Lovely Beibz:
“The guy looks innocent, may ata hajui what he was transporting”
Bottowaigamba Ni Mimi:
That was a set up.. unfortunately a boda guy doing his day to day errands was caught in the crossfire… with his innocence.. he will unfortunately be behind bars as the illicit traders probably continue with their trade .. may justice prevail…”
Yule Yule Mmoja:
“This is pure set up, nothing like suspicious luggage! Kwani how big was that luggage, yet it’s something he can even curry in his pockets!!”
Pesh Ninah:
“Deals ni nyingi shida ni DCI. You guys and we all both know that man is innocent unless proven guilty. Though looks do deceive waiting for more detailed investigation.”
Leonard Khisa:
“My first time to see a suspect with serious matter smiling!”
Source: Facebook
Did Iranian nationals traffic methamphetamine to Kenya?
Elsewhere, six Iranian nationals pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine valued at about KSh 8.2 billion after their arrest in October 2025.
Prosecutors said the offence occurred between October 17 and 20 on the high seas, roughly 350 nautical miles east of Mombasa.
The drugs were reportedly hidden aboard a stateless vessel, Mashaallah, a method authorities said is often used by international syndicates to avoid detection.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
