Machakos detectives are investigating a major drug trafficking incident after intercepting a Toyota Prado TX that was allegedly transporting cannabis worth about Ksh14.2 million.
The dramatic chase unfolded along the Machakos–Kangundo Road after officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations based in Kyumbi attempted to stop the vehicle in the Kaloleni area. The officers had flagged down the SUV as part of a routine check, but the driver ignored the signal and sped off, heading toward Mutituni.
This action immediately raised suspicion and set off a tense pursuit.Police officers followed the vehicle at high speed as it attempted to escape.
The chase continued for several kilometres, with the driver trying to outmaneuver the officers. As the vehicle approached the Kyanguli area, the officers were forced to open fire after the driver repeatedly refused to stop.
The shots disabled the tyres of the SUV, causing it to lose control and plunge into a nearby valley. Once the vehicle came to a halt, the occupants quickly jumped out and ran into the surrounding bushes, managing to escape before the officers could arrest them.
When police searched the abandoned vehicle, they discovered 473.7 kilograms of compressed cannabis packed and hidden inside. The officers believe the drugs were being ferried through the area using the SUV as a way to avoid detection.
The large quantity has raised questions about the scale of the trafficking network behind the operation.
Machakos County Criminal Investigations Officer Kasim Baricha confirmed the recovery of the drugs and said the suspects are still on the run.
He noted that efforts to track them down are ongoing, and investigators are following several leads.
The team is also trying to establish where the narcotics originated and where they were being transported to.
This information is expected to help uncover the larger group involved in the trafficking scheme.Following the incident, detectives have launched an intensified manhunt in the surrounding areas, working with local communities to gather any information that might help in identifying the suspects.
Security agencies are also reviewing possible routes used by traffickers to move drugs across counties, aiming to strengthen surveillance in known hotspots.
The recovered vehicle has been towed to the Kyumbi Police Station as part of the ongoing investigations. Officers say the case highlights the continued efforts by security agencies to disrupt drug networks operating within the region.
They hope the arrest of the suspects will soon follow as inquiries continue.
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