Cartels using buses to ferry drugs, MPs told

The government has intensified surveillance of public service vehicles after Parliament was told drug traffickers are increasingly using passenger buses to transport narcotics across the country.

The move follows the interception of a long-distance bus on the Kisumu-Kericho highway carrying cannabis worth nearly Sh200,000.

A report tabled in the National Assembly revealed police officers acting on intelligence intercepted the bus, which was travelling from Ugunja to Nairobi and recovered five bales of cannabis weighing 6.6 kilogrammes each.

The report was presented by Lari MP Kahangara Mburu on behalf of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security in response to a statement sought by West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka.

“Following intelligence information, police officers intercepted a bus... they recovered five bales, each weighing 6.6 kilogrammes, of dry plant material suspected to be cannabis sativa valued at about Sh198,000,” Mburu told the House.

The drugs, allegedly concealed using yellow tape, were found in the possession of a passenger who was arrested and later arraigned at the Nyando law courts.

Parliament was informed that investigators are seeking to establish the source of the drugs, identify those behind the shipment and determine whether the seizure points to a wider trafficking network.

The committee said security agencies were also investigating whether the incident was an isolated case or part of an organised syndicate exploiting transport corridors in the Coast and Nyanza regions.

The revelations have heightened concerns over the use of major highways and passenger buses to ferry narcotics to urban centres, prompting fresh government interventions targeting public transport operators.

Among the measures announced are 24-hour multi-agency roadblocks on the Kisumu-Kericho highway, particularly in Ahero and Nyando, and the deployment of specialised checkpoint teams to conduct inspections on public transport vehicles.

Transport operators and vehicle crews are also being trained to identify and report suspicious cargo.

“Majority of transport Saccos have been encouraged to scrutinise goods that are picked along the way and at designated bus stops,” Mburu said.

The government has further increased the deployment of anti-narcotics officers at transport terminals and strategic transit points, while progressively expanding canine units to improve the detection of illicit drugs.

Authorities told Parliament that awareness campaigns in schools and communities, crackdowns on drug peddlers operating near schools and transport terminals, and closer collaboration with child welfare institutions were also being implemented to shield children and young people from exposure to narcotics.

To tackle the drug menace, particularly among young people, the government said it had adopted a multi-sectoral approach involving prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and research.

However, Mogaka expressed dissatisfaction with the committee's response, questioning why it appeared to focus on one transport company when other operators had reportedly been linked to investigations.

He also sought an update on three vehicles allegedly impounded during earlier investigations.

“Section 20(2) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act provides for forfeiture of the vessels involved in transportation of narcotic drugs. I have not heard from the committee what happened with the three motor vehicles that were originally impounded,” he said.

Mogaka further alleged he had faced intimidation after publicly raising concerns about drug trafficking.

“For the record, I wish to state that one of the individuals associated with the company confronted me at a funeral in my constituency with goons telling me to leave him alone. That is why I believe drug traffickers can kill,” he told the House.

The government maintained it remains committed to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable groups from the dangers posed by narcotic drugs.

“It is to reiterate that the government remains committed to safeguarding the public from the threat posed by narcotic drugs and will continue to strengthen collaboration efforts among all stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect vulnerable populations and promote a drug-free society,” the committee stated.