Detectives have seized cocaine worth an estimated Sh2.19 million at the Malaba One-Stop Border Post and arrested one suspect after an inspection of a bus travelling from Kampala to Nairobi.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the consignment was discovered during routine passenger and luggage screening after a Simba Coach bus, registration number KDG 093H, arrived at the border post.
Officers reportedly found an unattended parcel inside the bus, prompting further inspection. The bus driver and conductor allegedly left the scene, abandoning the vehicle and its passengers.
Detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB) in Malaba took over the parcel for examination. Preliminary tests confirmed that the substance was cocaine, packaged in eight pellets weighing 547.99 grammes.
The consignment has an estimated street value of Sh2,191,960, according to the DCI.
The bus turn boy, Meshack Medalack, was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident as investigations continued.
Detectives are pursuing the driver, identified only as Karama, and the conductor, John Musimbi, to establish the circumstances surrounding the consignment and determine the roles of those involved.
The bus was detained at the border post as arrangements were made to provide alternative transport for the affected passengers.
The DCI said it would continue pursuing drug trafficking networks operating through transport routes and border crossings.
