Authorities in Homa Bay County have intensified efforts to curb the cultivation of illegal substances, with a recent focus on uprooting bhang plants in the Gwasi Hills area.
Led by Suba Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring, the ongoing operation has resulted in the discovery and destruction of over 40 acres of the outlawed crop within the Gwasi forest.
Gwasi forest, a designated water tower spanning more than 6000 acres in Suba South Constituency, has become a focal point for law enforcement efforts to eradicate illegal cultivation. The latest success in the operation came on Saturday, as officers acting on a tip-off from concerned citizens uncovered an additional 5 acres of bhang hidden amidst the hills.
The challenging terrain of the hills required several hours for law enforcement personnel to navigate and reach the illicit crop fields. Deputy Commissioner Okiring reported that operations have been ongoing for the past two weeks, resulting in the discovery of the illegal cultivation sites scattered across Gwasi Hills.
To further bolster their efforts, authorities have established two camps at the foot of Gwasi hills in the Kinchororio and Kithereka areas. The primary objective of these camps is to systematically clear all illegal crops planted within the hills. Collaboration with various government agencies and non-state actors is facilitating this initiative, with plans underway to commence massive tree planting in areas where bhang cultivation has been eradicated.
The crackdown on illegal bhang cultivation in Gwasi Hills underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies and local authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect environmentally sensitive areas from illicit activities.
Police in Homa Bay Crack Down on Illegal Bhang Cultivation in Gwasi Hills