By Erick Otieno
The government has destroyed one ton of bhang, which is valued at the market price of sh 10m.
Nyanza Regional security team led by Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa oversaw the destruction of the bhang consignment at Macalder Hospital in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County.
According to the team, the bhang had been intercepted on diverse dates ranging from March 26 2023 and September 3, 2024, at the Isebania border.
The substance had been taken to a government chemist and was verified to be bhang.
It was destroyed using an incinerator at the hospital.
The Nyanza Regional commissioner highlighted that they would not stop at the point of destroying the bhang but were determined to eliminate drug trafficking.
“We are intensifying our efforts to fight drug peddling, ensure strict enforcement of the law and work closely with communities to eradicate these illegalities,” Ms Mworoa said.
She outlined porous borders as the biggest challenge stating that drugs were being sneaked into the country through ‘panya routes’.
According to the regional commissioner, they have a serious problem with our neighbouring country as Kenya’s borders are very porous.
She highlighted heightened border surveillance and encouraged law enforcers to work even harder and ensure that they arrest drug peddlers.
“We are increasing surveillance, intelligence gathering on border control measures to stop the entry and distribution of drugs in our region,” Mworoa remarked.
Moreover, she stated that the government through law enforcement agencies and other state members had stepped up operations against drug trafficking.
The regional commissioner highlighted their commitment in fighting drug abuse and substance in our region saying it remains the biggest threat to the future of young people in the country and had devastating effects on families and communities.
She was accompanied by the Regional Coordinator for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kisaka, Zachary Mwangi in charge of Nyanza Region Administration of Police, Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua and Migori Health CEC Caleb Opondi among others.
Mr Mutua highlighted that six of those who were arrested with the bhang have since been convicted and sentenced.
“Arrests were made and motorcycles impounded while some escaped. So far, the cases have been concluded and six people have been convicted and are serving sentences,” the county commissioner remarked.
He echoed Mworoa’s sentiments saying that numerous perpetrators have faced the full force of law, thus reinforcing their commitment to justice and accountability.
The county commissioner who commended officers from Migori County who worked diligently and courageously to fight drug and substance abuse highlighted that the security apparatus was working tirelessly towards securing their borders with Tanzania.
According to Mutua, most of these drugs came from the neighbouring country.
He underscored the importance of fighting drug trafficking through a multi-agency approach saying that this would help dismantle the networks that that preyed upon their communities.
“The fight against narcotics cannot be won in isolation. It requires combined efforts, collaborative engagements among law enforcement agencies, community leaders and all stakeholders,” Mutua said.
Mr Kisaka said narcotics had become a pervasive threat that undermined the health, security and integrity of society.
“It is important to crucial to acknowledge tireless efforts government bodies have dedicated to curb this vice,” Kisaka said.
He further called on community members to be agents of change.
The team urged parents and teachers to play an active role in mentoring young people and stressed the need to support rehabilitation programs.
It highlighted plans to enhance public awareness which included educating people, especially the youth about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
