Police arrest seven drug suspects in Kilifi, Mombasa

Anti-narcotics police unit is investigating seven suspected drug traffickers who were arrested with a half a kilo of heroin and Sh4.5 million cash.

Coast regional police boss Larry Kieng said the suspects among them a woman were arrested in different areas within Kilifi and Mombasa counties for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

He said they were also found with 10,000 USD which is equivalent to about Sh1million.

"We have also seized seven Toyota vehicles. We are yet to establish the value of the drug but it will subjected to a test at our chemist," said Mr Kieng.

Among the vehicle seized, one has been branded with Governor Hassan Joho's portraits.

According to court documents seen by the Nation, among those arrested was Ndechumia Bilali Kimali who is out on a Sh10 million after he was charged with two counts of trafficking7.6 kg of heroin in 2015.

Mr Kimali was charged in April after he was deported from Madagascar. Police had described Kimali as a mastermind behind trafficking of illicit drugs destined overseas.

The coast police chief said security agencies in the region will remain on alert to ensure they deal with the drug menace in the region.

"We will continue dealing with these people and ensure we flush them away. We are not going to relent in this war. We are committed in this fight,” said Mr Kieng.

The state through the office of the director of public prosecutions had earlier Monday appeared before a Shanzu law court seeking more days to investigate some of the suspects in order to bring proper charges which can stand in court against them.

Senior Principal Magistrate Diana Mochache said she will give her ruling on Friday on whether police should continue detaining them.