A suspected drug trafficker is in police custody following a successful raid by anti-narcotics detectives in Mombasa County, leading to the seizure of heroin valued at approximately Ksh1.8 million.
Acting on intelligence gathered over time, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) stormed a residence in the Kikambala area of Kilifi County, catching the 40-year-old suspect completely off guard. The early morning operation, executed with precision, marked a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks operating along the Kenyan Coast.
According to authorities, a swift search of the suspect’s house led to the recovery of a blue carrier bag hidden beneath a mattress. Inside the bag, detectives discovered six tightly wrapped packages containing heroin. Preliminary analysis indicated the drugs weighed a total of 600 grams.
The suspect, who is believed to be a key player in the regional drug trade, was immediately apprehended and taken to the Port Police Station along with the seized narcotics. He is currently being processed as investigations continue, with plans underway to arraign him in court.
Speaking about the arrest, a senior officer from the Anti-Narcotics Unit commended the swift action of the team and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking in the region.
“This arrest is part of our broader strategy to combat drug-related crime in coastal areas and across the country. We will continue to pursue individuals who profit from the misery caused by illicit drugs,” the officer stated.
Mombasa and its surrounding areas have long been identified as hotbeds for drug trafficking, with international cartels often using the region as a transit point. The Kenyan government, in partnership with international agencies, has ramped up efforts to disrupt these networks through intelligence-driven operations and community engagement.
The suspect is expected to be charged with drug possession and trafficking, offences that carry severe penalties under Kenya’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.
The ANU has urged the public to continue providing actionable information to aid in the fight against narcotics, emphasizing that community support remains vital in eliminating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking.
