This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 11, 2019, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Changamwe, Mombasa, launched an investigation into the theft of over 5,000 bags of sugar alleged to be contaminated with traces of mercury from two go downs in Changamwe and Jomvu.
According to the area OCPD, Daudi Loronyokwe, the contaminated sugar might have been stolen three weeks prior to the investigation. Additionally, 300 sacks of safe sugar were also stolen during the incident.
Seven people have been arrested in connection to the theft, and a manhunt has been launched for the security guard who was at the go down and is reported to have gone into hiding after the incident.
The incident is linked to a larger issue of contraband sugar in the country. In 2018, a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Agriculture heard how more than one million tonnes of contraband sugar valued at Sh59 billion was imported into the country through a gazette notice.
