Police officers on Friday morning arrested a man with 440 rolls of bhang in Mlolongo bus station in Machakos County.
Confirming the incident, Mlolongo Chief David Kilonzo said the security officers had been informed by some residents who had suspected the group of men roaming in the town.
“I was alerted by some traders who have been seeing the group of men around Mlolongo and so I called in police officers who managed to arrest one man with 440 rolls of bhang,” said Kilonzo.
Mr Justus Mutinda who owns a shop in Mlolongo shopping centre said the group has been selling bhang to the youth in the area.
The suspect was only identified as Kalii but police are still investigating him further.
“The gang of almost five men aged between 23 and 26 has been idling in this market and is regularly seen selling bhang to the young residents of this area. In the morning they were all carrying bags and since our chief is supporting the fight against drug use, we alerted him,” said Mutinda.
The chief has confirmed that the police have launched a manhunt for the rest of the peddlers who escaped but assured the suspect would face the law for being found in possession of illicit drugs.
“Drug usage in this area has been on the rise with most used drug being bhang since it is very accessible even to the underage youth. We will ensure such people are brought to book,” he added.
The suspect was taken to the Mlolongo Police Station as he awaits being charged.