The crackdown has been fuelled by drugs menace, which has become a national security challenge
The government has embarked on crackdown on drug barons in the coastal region in a move to combat growing cases of substance abuse in the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki says leaders must work with government to eradicate the menace of illicit liquor, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.
Speaking during the Coast Region Conference on Illicit Alcohol, Narcotic Drugs, and Other Psychotropic Substances, Kindiki said that the problem poses a threat to the survival of the future generation.
The coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi currently rank within the top five counties in the nation, collectively representing 43% of individuals engaged in the misuse of hard injectable drugs, alongside Nairobi and Kiambu.
“As a policy, security officers and administrators enabling the manufacture, sale, and use of killer brews and hard drugs, will not be transferred to other jurisdictions, they will be sacked immediately and prosecuted per the law,” Kindiki said.
The CS said the government considers producers, transporters, distributors, and vendors of illegal alcohol and narcotics as adversaries of the nation. He added that such individuals warrant a classification alongside terrorists, bandits, and other perpetrators of sophisticated criminal acts.
He noted that the diligent and patriotic security and national government administration officers who unearth and apprehend persons behind the trade in illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs will be recognized and appreciated by the government through promotion and award of State honors.
The conference was graced by CS for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, CS Blue Economy and Mining, Salim Mvurya, Susan Nakhumicha (Health), Aisha Jumwa (Gender and Culture), Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and other Government representatives from the coastal region.
They deliberated on mechanisms to ruthlessly crack down on manufacturers, transporters, sellers, and peddlers of illicit liquor, narcotic drugs, and other substances in the Coast Region.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, on his part, said that there is a need to act fast to put an end to the drug menace that has killed and destroyed the lives of many youths in Mombasa.
He added that the fight against drugs is not just a police issue but a community issue and that it is important for everyone to come together to build a safer and drug-free city for the youth of the coast and their future.
“NACADA should pull up their socks because the report they have given does not cover all the drug hot spots in the Coast Region,” he added.
The conference was presided over by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
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