MERU: Police officers have intensified their war on illicit alcohol and narcotics, with a series of successful operations reported in Meru, Homa Bay, and Garissa counties.

In Igembe South, Meru County, officers from Maua Police Station intercepted a motorcycle ferrying 80 litres of illicit brew locally known as Naisu during a patrol in Antubochiuo Location.

The rider managed to escape, but the motorcycle was impounded and the liquor secured as evidence.

Elsewhere, in Homa Bay County, officers from Rodi Police Station stopped a suspicious motorcycle during a routine patrol.

Upon inspection, they discovered 98 large rolls of cannabis sativa hidden in a package. The rider was immediately arrested and is currently being held at the station pending processing and arraignment.

In a related operation, police in Garissa town arrested a suspected drug peddler in Ziwani area. A search yielded 20 balls of cannabis sativa concealed in a red carrier bag, along with KSh 1,800 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sale of the drugs.

The suspect is in custody at Garissa Police Station, while the recovered items were secured as exhibits.

The arrests come just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a 100-day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) targeting illicit brews and drugs.

The CS warned rogue traders and politicians allegedly backing the illegal trade, describing the menace as a major national security threat.

He further directed sub-county security committees to work closely with local stakeholders to curb the vice, while cautioning that officers found complicit in shielding illicit traders would face disciplinary action.