Why state opposed bond for eight found with cannabis worth Sh 14.9 million

he 8 suspects who were arrested in possession of illicit substances were arraigned in court today and they were charged with the offense of trafficking in narcotic drugs.

In a prior interview with Mtaa Wangu the Gilgil sub-county police commander, Winston Mwakio, said the police cornered the eight in a four-bedroom house in Elementaita, where they had been conducting their illegal business.

Among the 8 suspects, there was Monica Wanjiru who according to the sub county police commander is aged 50 and is believed to be the head of the group, with the other males aged 24-27 years.

All the 8 individuals pleaded not guilty to the offense.

However, the investigating officer Morris Mucheke in his affidavit, opposed the release of the suspects on bond.

“The suspects rented a residential homestead and the investigation is still ongoing to establish the owner therefore their place of abode is not known and are a flight risk” read part of the document.

The investigating officer further revealed that they recovered 21 sacks of dry plant material suspected to be cannabis, 497 kg with a street value of sh. 14.9 million which may attract heavier punishment upon conviction.

“The suspects confessed to have been employed by a person they don’t know therefore the investigation is underway to establish the employer” he notes.

He further states that, “The destruction to the health public interest outweighs the accused right to be released on bail/bond. There is a trend as evidenced by recent arrests that drug dealers continue to engage in the trade after being admitted bond/bail terms in utter abuse of bail concession”

The Principal Magistrate Ruth Kepha says that the ruling on the issue of bond will be on February 20.