Detectives have seized 170.8 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at approximately Sh5.1 million after a suspected drug trafficker abandoned his vehicle following a fatal collision along the Malaba-Webuye road.
The operation was conducted by officers from the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB) in Bungoma, working alongside detectives from DCI Webuye West.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers acted on intelligence that a white Mazda CX-5, registration number KDY 338F, was being used to transport narcotics.
Detectives reportedly positioned themselves along the highway to intercept the vehicle. However, upon spotting the officers, the driver sped off, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended when the Mazda collided with a red TVS motorcycle, registration number KMFV 109F. The motorcyclist, identified as Muzungu Munialo, sustained fatal injuries, while the driver of the Mazda abandoned the vehicle and escaped.
After traffic officers completed processing the accident scene, detectives searched the Mazda and discovered suspected narcotics inside. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a police station for further examination. A detailed search led to the recovery of 162 bales of cannabis wrapped in yellow cellotape, weighing 170.8 kilogrammes and estimated to have a street value of Sh5,124,000.
Officers also found an additional number plate, KF2 8588, on the back seat of the vehicle. Investigators suspect it may have been intended to conceal the vehicle’s actual registration. The Mazda and the recovered drugs have been transferred to NANIB Bungoma as investigations continue.
The DCI has expressed condolences to Munialo’s family and said efforts are underway to track down the driver, while investigators work to establish the wider network behind the suspected drug trafficking operation.
