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Over 53 pharmacies closed in North Eastern in crackdown on drug trade

North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno. (Handout)

By Issa Hussein | 20 Mar 2024

The regional commissioner issued a stern warning to security officers engaged in running bars and second-generation liquor businesses.

More than 53 pharmacies and agro-vets found to be non-compliant have been shut down in North Eastern in the ongoing battle against drug and substance abuse, Regional Commissioner John Otieno has said.

Otieno revealed that over 500 liters of illicit brew had been destroyed during the three-week operation targeting illicit substances.

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"Our officers have conducted raids on non-compliant pharmacies selling psychotropic drugs, as well as clubs and suspected hideouts for drug peddlers. Several individuals have been apprehended and brought before the court," said the RC.

He spoke at the Garissa Government Guest House when he met top security officials from the region on Wednesday to assess the progress in the fight against drugs and security threats.

The regional commissioner issued a stern warning to security officers engaged in running bars and second-generation liquor businesses.

He emphasized that they must choose between their official duties and involvement in the liquor trade, as such dual roles could jeopardize efforts against drug abuse.

"I want to make it clear to officers involved in operating bars that they must either cease such activities or resign due to conflicts of interest. There will be no compromise on this matter," he said.

He disclosed having a list of officers in the region involved in the bar business and promised to share the names with the North Eastern Regional police boss, Moses Mureithi, who will ensure government directives regarding officers' involvement in bar businesses are enforced.

Otieno also addressed the challenge of the bhang trade, which he described as a cross-border issue.

"Bhang (hashish) is smuggled from Ethiopia through Moyale, Wajir, Isiolo, and Garissa to Nairobi," Otieno explained.

He highlighted the efforts of the multi-agency security team in conducting security checks along various routes, resulting in the arrest of traffickers.

Additionally, Otieno commended the security agencies in the region for their tireless efforts in neutralizing threats posed by groups like Al-Shabaab.

"A number of planned terror attacks have been thwarted due to the cooperation between security agencies and vigilant members of the public who provide timely intelligence," revealed the RC.

He urged chiefs and their assistants to maintain close collaboration with the public, emphasizing their crucial role in enhancing security and maintaining relative calm in the region.