How Matatu Driver Used Students To Transport 401 Bhang Rolls With Ksh1M Value

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, April 2, reported that police officers from Kamagambo Police Station arrested a suspected drug trafficker.

DCI revealed in a statement that the drug trafficker, who was driving a public service vehicle (PSV), was caught with 401 rolls of bhang with an estimated street value of Ksh1,032,000.

"The arrest follows a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, who alerted authorities about a suspicious public service vehicle, KDM 981Z, heading to Kisumu from Migori, loaded with the illicit cargo," stated the DCI in part.

A thorough search led to the discovery of two bags containing 401 sizable rolls of bhang, weighing 34.4 kilograms.

A suitcase carrying rolls of bhang was intercepted by DCI on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. /DCI

In a shocking revelation, DCI disclosed that the vehicle’s driver, identified as Calvin Okoth Otieno, was found transporting only students, allegedly in an attempt to evade suspicion. However, his tactic was foiled by the keen vigilance of the public and law enforcement.

Okoth is currently in police custody at Kamagambo Police Station as he awaits arraignment in court. Authorities have lauded the public for their cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

Notably, the school holiday rush kicked off this week, with students among those hurrying home before the start of the second term.

The arrest comes as the DCI and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intensify their efforts to combat drug use among students.

Late last year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while addressing attendees at the Chepsaita Cross Country Race, pledged a crackdown on drug traffickers and dealers targeting school children.

“Those who are selling drugs to the young people of Kenya are enemies of Kenya. I want to assure you today of the government’s stand towards combating the sale of drugs that promote drug abuse and hamper the progress of our young people in Kenya,” Kindiki asserted.

“On behalf of the government, I want to declare today that we will fight against such people, and we will succeed."

Raids have seen dealers, traffickers, and even users arrested across the country, of all walks of life, for the drug made from the marijuana plant. 

Currently, under the Narcotics, Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Act of 2020, anyone found with 50 mg or less of the drug faces a minimum fine of Ksh10 million, a prison sentence of at least 10 years, or both.