This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, a high-profile operation was launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to crack down on narcotics in Mombasa. The operation led to the arrest of 18 suspected drug traffickers, including Bofu Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ahmed Salama.
Police raided the palatial home of Mombasa-based billionaire businessman Ali Punjani, who was allegedly linked to the narcotics trade. The operation was carried out by a team of officers with sniffer dogs, who camped in the compound of Punjani's posh home in Nyali estate.
Mombasa Police Commander Johnstone Ipara urged Punjani to present himself at any police station to record a statement over drug trafficking allegations. Ipara warned that police would be forced to break into the mansion and search it for drugs if Punjani failed to cooperate.
According to Ipara, police would not leave until they had searched the house 'top to bottom' and established that there were no drug substances inside. The operation resulted in the seizure of 42 sachets of heroin, 147 rolls of bhang, and Sh608,000 in fake Kenyan currency.
The suspects will be presented in court on Tuesday to face charges, including drug trafficking.
