Detectives crack down on Coast drug cartels by targeting key logisticians and storekeepers
Authorities have urged the public to give information that could assist in identifying and dismantling the drug trafficking networks.
Detectives have intensified operations against drug trafficking syndicates in the coastal region by targeting logisticians and storekeepers, the key players in the distribution networks that sustain the illegal trade.
In two separate sting operations carried out within a week, officers arrested suspected cartel operatives believed to be responsible for storing, packaging, and facilitating the movement of narcotics across Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
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In the most recent incident on Saturday, police arrested Ali Bakari Kibata, a suspected key logistician and storekeeper of a well-organised drug cartel operating in Mombasa and Kilifi.
The midnight raid took place in Kikambala, Kilifi County, where authorities confiscated 600 grams of heroin crystals, already repackaged into 100g packs ready for street-level distribution.
According to detectives, the heroin, now rare in local drug dens, was smuggled into Kenya through the Busia border from Uganda, processed in Kikambala, and distributed across the coastal region.
“The operation followed weeks of surveillance and is part of efforts to dismantle supply chains of a syndicate linked to notorious drug hotspots such as Magodoroni and Bamburi Mwisho,” said a senior officer.
Cartels power vacuum
Police believe the cartel’s operations gained ground after the death of Swaleh Yussuf Ahmed, alias Kendereni, a well-known supplier whose absence left a power vacuum.
The cartel is now reportedly led by Yassin Mohammed, who is alleged to have claimed influence over local law enforcement to shield the group’s activities.
“This was a surprise sting operation targeting the distribution infrastructure of the cartel. We are determined to ensure that this syndicate is completely eradicated from the region,” said a senior detective involved in the operation.
Kibata is being held at Kilindini Police Station and will be arraigned on Monday.
Detectives have indicated that more arrests are expected as investigations continue.
A similar crackdown took place earlier in the week in Mayungu village, Kilifi County, where police arrested Evans Shigalave, another alleged storekeeper and logistician linked to a cartel associated with Chome Menza, a known trafficker.
Authorities recovered bhang worth an estimated Sh12 million, concealed in gunny bags and reportedly ready for immediate distribution.
The syndicate is believed to be among the primary suppliers of cannabis and heroin in Malindi and its environs, including Kwa Chocha, Watamu, Ganze, Gongoni, and Msabaha, all areas with a history of drug abuse cases.
Preliminary findings show the narcotics were smuggled into the country through the Isibania border from Tanzania, suggesting a broader cross-border network.
Authorities have urged the public to give information that could assist in identifying and dismantling the drug trafficking networks.
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