Suspected Mombasa drug trafficker detained longer

Some of the heroin and money that suspected drug trafficker Mwinyi Seif Salim Kilanga was found with during his arrest in Mombasa County on April 13, 2024. (Photo: NPS)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, April 15, 2024

Mwinyi Seif Salim Kilanga was found with 169.18 grammes of heroin valued at approximately Sh507,540.

A suspected notorious drug trafficker who was arrested in Mombasa County will remain in custody longer as police weigh and sample the heroin he was nabbed with.

Mwinyi Seif Salim Kilanga was apprehended on April 13, 2024, by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit, who seized 169.18 grammes of heroin valued at approximately Sh507,540.

They also confiscated about Sh1,7 million in cash, US $3,610, four mobile phones, marijuana, various packaging items, and a scale.

The suspect faced Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Rita Orora on Monday, with the police seeking three more days to conclude the weighing and sampling of the drugs.

A detective told the court that investigations relating to offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 4 of 2022 would expand the probe against Mwinyi and his associates over the violation of other laws.

The investigator further submitted that the weighing, sampling and analysis of recovered suspected drugs require time due to the complexities involved.

Suspected drug trafficker Mwinyi Seif Salim Kilanga, at the Mombasa Law Courts on April 14, 2024. (Photo: Farhiiya Hussein)

The court granted the detention request and said the case would be mentioned on April 18, 2024, for further directions to be issued.

Reports indicate that Mwinyi, also known as Mwinyi Marebe, was rivalling Yusuf Ahmed Swaleh, also known as Candy Rain or Kendereni, in the trafficking of narcotics, particularly in areas including Magodoroni and Arusini in Kisauni.

According to the police, the suspect depended on his family members, including his mother, Mariam Hamisi, his two wives, Fatuma Hamisi Angore and Salma Mohamed, as well as schoolgirls for distribution.

Both women have previously been detained for drug possession and are currently facing legal proceedings.

Additionally, law enforcement categorises Mwinyi’s family as hazardous and deeply entrenched in drug activities, with records suggesting that even their nearly 70-year-old mother, Mariam Hamisi, is involved in the trade.