Drugs smugglers break down outside Kenya police base

[kiwi_farmer]

Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Matthew Jones

Mon 3 Nov 2008, 10:15 GMT

http://africa.reuters.com/odd/news/usnTRE4A21SC.html

© Reuters 2008. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Elite Kenyan police who went to help a luxury 4x4 that broke down outside their base were surprised when the occupants took off on foot -- until officers took a closer look and found the vehicle loaded with marijuana.

 

"When the occupants refused assistance and fled, officers became suspicious and searched the vehicle," finding about $20,000 (12,333 pounds) worth of the drug, Trans Mara police boss Joshua Omukata told The Standard newspaper.

 

Members of the highly-regarded paramilitary General Service Unit from Keyian camp in the Rift Valley were unable to catch the would-be traffickers.

 

Marijuana growing is a lucrative option for many poor farmers across fertile east Africa. Trans Mara District is home to the Maasai Triangle, part of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.