Police seize drug haul at Kenya coast
Coast Provincial Criminal Investigations officer Ambrose Munyasia (left) views packed sachets containing heroin worth Sh500m, which was netted in a sting operation after it was sneaked into the country via an illegal landing bay at Shanzu, Mombasa. Six people were arrested including three Kenyans, one Pakistani and two Iranians. GIDEON MAUNDU
Kenya police have seized narcotics worth KSh500 million after it was sneaked into the country through an illegal landing bay along the coast.
The drug haul - 196 kilograms packed in two kilogram sachets sealed in polythene - was being transported in two vehicles at Shanzu area, Mombasa, when police struck at around 7pm on Thursday.
Three Kenyans, two Iranians and a Pakistani were arrested in the operation.
Police also recovered two pistols and more than 30 rounds of ammunitions from the two vehicles, a Nissan saloon car and a Toyota Rav4.
The drug was camouflaged as dog food under the brand name: "Science Plan: Veterinary formulated Canine Senior for older dogs. New improved taste”.
According to Coast provincial criminal investigations officer Ambrose Manyasia, a squad of officers zeroed in on the area after receiving reports that two vehicles were spotted IN the area, raising suspicion their crew were on a fishy mission.
High-cost
The officers managed to locate the two vehicles and tracked them as they were driven to a high-cost apartment in the area.
“The officers then intercepted the vehicles and after carrying out a search, found the drugs in gunny bags in the two vehicles. We found the two gunny bags contained 98 packets of what we believe is heroin,” Mr Munyasia told journalists at the scene shortly before midnight.
He said initial indications were that the drug was heroin but samples would be submitted to the Government Chemist for confirmation.
“This is a good job by our officers. This should send a clear message to Kenyans or any person to refrain from bringing drugs into the country as officers are very vigilant especially at the Coast.”
The convoy of nearly 10 vehicles carrying the anti-narcotics and CID squad later drove off with the consignment and the suspects under tight security. Mr Munyasia said once investigations are complete, the suspects would be arraigned in court.
