Authorities in Likoni, Mombasa County, have arrested a male suspect in a targeted operation aimed at dismantling criminal gangs and curbing drug trafficking in the region.
During the intelligence-led operation, officers confronted the suspect who was armed with a panga (machete) and found in possession of three rolls of cannabis sativa. He was immediately taken into custody and is currently awaiting processing before being arraigned in court.
Security agencies have intensified operations in Likoni and its surrounding areas following rising concerns about gang activities, illegal arms, and the spread of narcotics. Residents have repeatedly raised alarms over the growing influence of organized groups and the risks they pose to safety, businesses, and daily life.
According to authorities, the crackdown is part of broader measures to restore order and ensure that both locals and visitors can go about their activities without fear. The suspect’s arrest highlights ongoing efforts to flush out individuals involved in crime and drug abuse.
The arrested individual will face charges related to drug possession and being armed with a dangerous weapon. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that possession of narcotics, even in small quantities, remains a serious offense under Kenyan law, while carrying weapons such as pangas in public places further escalates security concerns.
The Likoni arrest coincided with another major drug bust in Mariakani, Kilifi County, where officers intercepted a trailer suspected of ferrying narcotics along the busy Mariakani–Mazeras highway. Upon a detailed search, police recovered six sacks containing an estimated 6,000 large rolls of cannabis sativa concealed within the vehicle.
The driver of the truck was apprehended on the spot and transferred to the Coast Regional Police Headquarters for interrogation and further processing. The intercepted haul represents one of the largest seizures in the region this year, signaling the scale of illegal drug trade along coastal transport corridors.
Security agencies maintain that such operations will continue across the coastal belt to disrupt trafficking networks and deter organized crime. They have urged members of the public to collaborate by sharing timely information to aid in investigations and arrests.
The two separate arrests underline a renewed determination to curb crime and drug abuse in the Coast region, a step that is expected to reassure residents, protect livelihoods, and enhance safety
