Kenyan and Tanzanian Nationals Arrested for Trafficking Cannabis Worth Over Ksh 10 Million

Authorities have charged two suspects, a Kenyan and a Tanzanian national, with trafficking cannabis valued at over Ksh 10 million following a multi-agency operation targeting cross-border drug networks.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges against Paul Ogolla Ogutu, also known as Ogola, and Emmanuel Ndoro Chaka, alias Ndoro, a Tanzanian truck driver.

Investigators said that the two coordinated the transportation of large quantities of the illegal substance across borders, highlighting the growing reach of regional trafficking syndicates.

Meanwhile, officers intercepted the consignment during a routine security operation, which led directly to the arrest of the suspects.

Police then moved swiftly, took them into custody, and presented them before Mombasa Resident Magistrate Jamlick Muriithi Mwenda.

In court, Paul Ogolla Ogutu and Emmanuel Ndoro Chaka denied charges of trafficking narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.

“On 19th June 2026, the accused persons, jointly with others not before the court, trafficked 333.35 kilograms of cannabis valued at Ksh 10,000,500 in the Mariakani area of Kaloleni Sub-County, Kilifi County,” the prosecution told the court.

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Cannabis Seizure and Arrest Details

During the operation, police relied on intelligence reports to track drug trafficking networks operating along strategic transport corridors.

As a result, officers seized the consignment, which authorities estimate to be worth Ksh 10 million.

Additionally, investigators secured the cannabis as evidence and launched further inquiries to establish its origin and intended destination.

At the same time, officers pursued leads on other individuals believed to be part of the trafficking network.

Subsequently, Prosecution Counsel Martin Mbote opposed the release of the accused on bond.

He cited compelling reasons, including the risk of absconding due to their cross-border connections and the fact that investigations remain ongoing.

He also argued that releasing the suspects could interfere with critical investigative processes.

However, the defence pushed back and urged the court to grant bail, insisting that the accused remain innocent until proven guilty.

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Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

At the same time, authorities have intensified operations targeting drug trafficking networks, especially those linked to cross-border activities.

Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor major highways and border points to disrupt the movement of illegal substances.

As investigations progress, the court directed that the matter be mentioned on July 2, 2026, for a pre-bail report and pre-trial directions, while authorities pursue more suspects believed to be part of the wider network.

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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) headquarters. PHOTO/ODPP