Police have arrested six suspects in separate operations in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, targeting alleged drug traffickers and the recovery of suspected stolen property.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led raid conducted by officers from Mtwapa Police Station at around 4:30am on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in the Kipapuro area, approximately two kilometres north of the station.
According to a police report, five suspects were arrested during the initial operation after officers raided an area suspected to be used for drug trafficking.
The suspects were identified as Abdi Guyo, 31; John Chege, 40; Alex Tsivo, 29; Geoffrey Digolo, 40; and Samuel Karani, 25.
During the operation, officers recovered several rolls and sachets of suspected cannabis sativa, alongside cash believed to be proceeds from the alleged illegal trade.
The recovered items included four large rolls, 14 smaller cut rolls, 55 sachets and 105 small rolls of suspected cannabis. Police also seized Ksh360, which investigators believe may have been generated from the sale of the suspected narcotics.
The operation was followed by a separate police action in which a sixth suspect, identified as Said Abdi Rashid, 25, was arrested while allegedly in possession of property suspected to have been stolen.
Police recovered a black billy goat, a Galaxy bicycle, a water dispenser and three 6-kilogramme gas cylinders during the operation.
Other items seized included assorted sound speaker systems, a Hotpoint fan, an LG microwave, three watches and an HP laptop.
Investigators are expected to establish the origin of the recovered property and determine whether the items are linked to reported cases of theft in Mtwapa and neighbouring areas.
The six suspects and the recovered exhibits were escorted to Mtwapa Police Station, where the suspects were placed in custody pending arraignment in court, according to the police report.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle suspected drug trafficking and other criminal activities in Kilifi County, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres such as Mtwapa.
The coastal town attracts residents, traders and visitors, but like other busy urban areas, it faces security challenges that require intelligence gathering, targeted police operations and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
The recovery of household appliances, electronics, a bicycle and a domestic animal is also expected to help investigators pursue possible links to property theft and identify the rightful owners.
However, the allegations against the suspects have not been tested in court. They remain innocent unless proven guilty.
Police are expected to present the suspects before a court as investigations into the alleged offences continue.
