Detectives raided a yard that had been closed last year and later illegally reopened for drug trafficking business and seized 100 kilograms of bhang in Ngara, Nairobi.
This follows complaints from residents that the Kariuwa den reportedly linked to a woman known as Mathe Wa Ngara was back in business.
The alleged owner of the yard Nancy Kigunzu alias Mathee wa Ngara is in custody over claims of drug trafficking.
Police had last year raided the same yard and arrested her workers. Kigunzu was later arrested as she sought to see a lawyer in the city.
On Monday, March 18, police who said they had received complaints the yard was back in business raided there and made a recovery of 100 kilogrammes of bhang.
They also arrested four suspects at the yard. Police said they also seized other apparatus used in preparing the narcotics for the market.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said the operation against drug traffickers is ongoing.
Kigunzu and her co-accused had been charged that on August 15, 2023 along Lipa Dr road, Nairobi they trafficked bhang valued at Sh18.3 million.
They faced another count of owning money, which was declared as proceeds of crime. They all denied the charges before Magistrate Njeri Thuku.
The prosecution opposed their release on bail saying the four should be isolated from society so that they do not continue to poison it.
The prosecution said there is a likelihood they may interfere with compilation of evidence if released on bail.
The court also ordered the Sh13.4 million that was recovered from the yard in Ngara to be deposited into the Assets and Recovery Agency’s (ARA) preservation account at the Kenya Commercial Bank.
Kwa Mathe wa Ngara is a known place, and is searchable online, unlike hundreds of other spots called 'Kwa Mathe', especially in informal settlements, the Ngara 'Mathe' appears to have more power, controls a larger swathe of the population, have more widespread influence.
To the consumers and mules of narcotics, Mathe wa Ngara is a humble and caring woman who always understands their challenges.
Kariuwa A and B is an informal settlement occupying a road reserve along Kipande Road.
Police say bhang handled in the area reportedly originates from associates based in Isebania, Busia, Moyale and Ethiopia where upon receipt, the dealers store, package and distribute to numerous other clients, at times the consignment is transported to other major towns like Machakos, Thika, Kiambu, Muranga and Mombasa.