This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, police raided the palatial home of Mombasa prominent businessman Ali Punjani in Nyali, Mombasa, on suspicion of his involvement in drug trafficking.
According to sources, Punjani has been directed to surrender immediately.
Police have cordoned off the area as they wait for Mombasa County Commander Johnstone Ipara to lead the operation.
Ali Punjani's lawyers, led by Asige Kiberenge, stated that the tycoon suffered a heart attack in July and is currently hospitalized in India.
During a visit to the Mbaraki police post on Mombasa Island, Mombasa County Commander Johnstone Ipara told residents to expect a major security operation to flush out drug barons and criminal gangs.
“With the opening of police posts at Nyali, Junda, and Concordia in Kisauni, police officers were ready to conduct a crackdown never witnessed in the coastal city,” said Ipara.
As part of the operation, 16 suspects linked to drug trafficking have been arrested and are expected to be arraigned in court.
