EMBAKASI: Detectives in Nairobi have dealt a blow against the notorious “mchele” theft syndicates after a investigation led to the arrest of a key suspect in Ruiru.

The operation began when a man reported a strange encounter at a local social joint in Nairobi. According to his statement at the Embakasi Police Station, he had just finished a game of pool when an unknown woman approached him and gave him a hug.

Within moments, he began to feel dizzy and confused.

The woman offered to take him home, but once they arrived, he lost consciousness completely.

When the victim finally woke up, his house had been ransacked. He discovered that two laptops, a Samsung S22 phone, KSh 168,000 in cash, and jewelry worth KSh 50,000 were all gone.

Detectives used forensic leads to track the trail to Havilla Apartments in the Kihunguro area of Ruiru.

There, they arrested Jane Wangare Ndungu. A search of her home revealed what appeared to be a warehouse for stolen goods: police found 40 mobile phones, 14 laptops, and an iPad.

The victim was able to positively identify his own electronics among the pile of recovered items.

Police believe Ms Ndungu is part of an organized criminal network that uses stupefying drugs, locally known as “mchele”, to knock out unsuspecting revelers. Once the victims are incapacitated, the gang steals their valuables and even accesses their bank and mobile money accounts.

The suspect is currently being held at Embakasi Police Station. Investigators are now working to track down the rest of the syndicate and the black-market dealers who help them sell the stolen electronics.