Police arrest 83 people at a bhang competition in Kenol town, Murang'a County

Police arrest 83 people at a bhang competition in town

Mumbi Mutuko

July 1, 2019 3:24 PM

Bhang smoking competition busted

83 people arrested at a bhang competition (Courtesy)

Police have arrested eighty three people for allegedly participating in a bhang competition in Murang'a County.

According to officers, members of the public tipped them off about the Sunday party which was held at a hotel in Kenol.

Sub-County Police Commander John Ondit said the suspects permitted entry only to those who bought at least two rolls of marijuana.

After finding out police set off a plan to nab those involved as they waited for the party to begin before storming in and arresting the culprits.

Bar in Kenol where 83 people were arrested for allegedly holding a bhang party (Nation) Pulse Live Kenya

Public tip-off

"Members of public assisted us in nabbing the suspects who had a party dubbed Rastafarian Party," the police commander said.

"For one to be allowed in the hotel, he had to buy at least two rolls of bhang; we have initiated a crackdown to arrest more after bhang uptake has risen in the area," he added.

Ondit also pointed out that drug peddlers in the region have changed tack to attract new clients.

He, however, warned anyone involved in the illegal trade that authorities have information that will lead them to the notorious vendors.

Disguised in religious attire

83 people arrested at a bhang competition Pulse Live Kenya

"Some are pretending to be Akorinos and others Rastafarians with bhang related contents in their dressings for easier identification by their clients, but we are going for them," Ondit stated.

He added that the traffickers have taken advantage of the busy Nairobi-Kenol-Moyale road and are hiding the bhang in petroleum tankers.

In a recent study by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), Murang'a County was found to be leading in drugs abuse in Mt Kenya region, with Maragua MP Mary Waithira saying her constituency was the most hard hit in the county.

Mumbi Mutuko