This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i launched a crackdown on narcotics in Mombasa, resulting in the arrest of 18 suspected drug traffickers.
Among those arrested was Bofu Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ahmed Salama.
Police raided the palatial home of Mombasa-based billionaire businessman Ali Punjani in Nyali estate, where they found 42 sachets of heroin, 147 rolls of bhang, and Sh608,000 in fake Kenyan currency.
Mombasa Police Commander Johnstone Ipara urged Punjani to present himself at any police station to record a statement over drug trafficking allegations.
Police warned that they would break into the mansion and search it for drugs if Punjani failed to cooperate.
"We will not leave until we search this house top to bottom and establish that there are no drug substances inside," said Ipara.
