Nairobi

A man suspected of drug trafficking has been arrested after police uncovered a major cannabis haul during a raid at Umoja 1 Market in Nairobi.

In a statement released on Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) said the operation, carried out by officers from the Nairobi Region, followed weeks of intelligence gathering. The coordinated sweep led to the recovery of 20 kilogrammes of unprocessed cannabis, alongside 3,000 rolls and 33 packaged bundles of the drug.

All the seized items have been secured as evidence.

“This operation is part of the National Police Service’s sustained efforts to curb the distribution and abuse of narcotics within the city and across the country,” the NPS said.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect is in custody and will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.

The NPS commended the officers involved, praising their vigilance and commitment to dismantling drug networks and cracking down on the illicit narcotics and alcohol trade.

The police have intensified anti-narcotics operations in Nairobi and other urban centres amid growing concern over the rise in drug-related crime and youth addiction.

Residents of Umoja, an area long known for its bustling open-air market, expressed cautious optimism about the crackdown. “We’ve seen drugs destroy young people here. It’s good the police are acting,” said one local trader who asked not to be named.

The suspect’s identity has not yet been made public, but police said further arrests are expected as investigations widen.