NACADA Seizes 2,400 Stones of Bangi in Kapsabet School-Zone Crackdown
By Chemtai Kirui | Nairobi | March 3, 2026
Authorities in Kapsabet, Nandi county, have seized 2,400 stones of bangi and a quantity of illicit alcohol in an intelligence-led operation targeting drug distribution points near schools.
The operation, conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in coordination with local security agencies, focused on the Bondeni area near the Kapsabet Showground — a location officials described as a high-risk zone due to its proximity to learning institutions.
One suspect was arrested during the raid and is expected to be arraigned as investigations continue into the source and distribution network behind the consignment.
NACADA said the operation reflects a shift toward intelligence-driven enforcement aimed at dismantling supply chains rather than relying solely on reactive street-level raids and indicated that surveillance efforts had tracked suspected retail nodes operating close to schools before the crackdown was executed.
The seizure comes amid growing concern over drug exposure among school-age populations in parts of western Kenya. Public health officials warn that early use of bangi and alcohol increases the risk of dependency, academic disruption and long-term social vulnerability among adolescents.
The Kapsabet raid is part of a national crackdown on drug supply hubs near schools and transport nodes. In the last 72 hours, similar operations have been carried out in Nakuru and Trans Nzoia. In Molo, police recovered 200 ‘brooms’ of cannabis valued at KES 1 million after a car chase, though the driver escaped on foot.
Meanwhile, in Kitale, authorities arrested three suspects and seized over 180 rolls of the drug from a distribution point located opposite the town’s main bus park.
Earlier this year in Ahero, Kisumu County, officers seized cannabis valued at an estimated KES 4 million from a location directly opposite Ahero Girls’ High School, arresting a suspect who had previously been charged in a separate narcotics case. Officials say the pattern reflects increased enforcement around school zones considered vulnerable to youth exposure.
NACADA officials said investigations are ongoing to trace distributors and financiers linked to the seized consignment, signalling continued enforcement around school zones, and urged residents to report suspected drug activity, assuring confidentiality.
“Enforcement disrupts availability, but prevention addresses vulnerability. We are scaling up both approaches because lasting impact requires a comprehensive response,” said Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, the CEO of NACADA.
