A Lamu-bound bus found with a large consignment of cannabis sativa ingeniously concealed in the luggage compartment. Photo by DCI 
By Andrew Mbuva
A multi-agency security team stationed at the Sabaki River Bridge in Malindi has intercepted a Lamu-bound bus and uncovered a large consignment of cannabis sativa ingeniously concealed in the luggage compartment.
The bus, registration number KDN 368W and operated by Tawakal Bus Service, was on its routine trip from Nairobi to Lamu when officers flagged it down for a standard inspection.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), what initially appeared to be ordinary passenger luggage turned out to be two bulky bales of cannabis hidden among bundles of second-hand clothes.
However, before the officers could apprehend all those involved, one passenger believed to be the owner of the narcotics made a daring escape, vanishing into nearby thickets before law enforcement could react.
The bus driver and conductor were arrested on the spot and are currently being held in custody for interrogation as detectives intensify a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Authorities confirmed that the seized narcotics have been detained as exhibits pending further investigation, as police pursue leads to dismantle what they believe could be a wider drug trafficking network operating between Nairobi and the Coast.
Security agencies have since heightened surveillance along major transport routes, urging public transport operators to remain vigilant and cooperate fully in the ongoing crackdown on illicit drug trade.
