Rein in drug lords, fast

The decision by Interpol to team up with Kenyan anti-narcotics detectives in the hunt for suspects behind the massive heroin haul seized in Mombasa recently is a significant move in the battle against the drug lords.

International drugs cartels have, over the years, turned Kenya into a transit point, but there has also been increased local use of substances. There have also been claims of the involvement of influential individuals in the trade.

However, recent seizures of heroin estimated to be worth at least Sh25 billion off the Kenyan Coast and the Sh1.1 billion Mombasa drugs haul that Interpol is now investigating are worrying signs of the growing scope and scale of the problem. 

That is why investigations into the international and local drugs networks should be encouraged.

But, even as this goes on, new challenges continue to emerge.

A report filed at the National Assembly by the National Intelligence Service, for example, shows that young Kenyans are now turning to designer drugs.

The new type of drugs, which include Mandrax and Ecstasy, present an even bigger problem due to their accessibility and affordability. The health and social impact is obviously grave.

This means that beyond policing, there is a need for sustained campaigns to stop the spread of the drugs menace.