Nairobi: Police in the coastal region have arrested 27 suspects and seized narcotics worth an estimated street value of Sh51.5 million in a three-month crackdown on drug trafficking. Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC) Ali Nuno announced the results of the operations carried out between April and June 2026, which led to the recovery of significant quantities of drugs including 10,700 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 7,000 grams of heroin, 1,330 grams of cocaine, and 205 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nuno made these revelations at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa, highlighting that the crackdown also resulted in the arrest of five suspected drug barons and ten carriers. Nuno emphasized the robust nature of the operations, which were based on actionable intelligence, and assured the public that law enforcement agencies would continue their aggressive efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks.
A notable incident during these operations involved the arrest of a 67-year-old man at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, who attempted to board a flight to Dubai with 44 pellets of cocaine in his stomach, valued at Sh1.5 million. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of an additional 16 pellets at the suspect's home. The suspect remains in custody as legal proceedings are underway.
Nuno identified Ethiopia, particularly through the Moyale border point, as a key entry route for narcotics into Kenya, along with supply lines from the western region. These routes remain a primary focus of ongoing security operations targeting individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. Nuno warned that drug trafficking poses a significant threat to the future of young people in the region and pledged continued efforts to combat this vice.
Despite the scale of the drug seizures, Nuno reassured residents and visitors that security in the coastal region remains strong. He emphasized that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to protect Mombasa's status as a premier tourist and investment destination. Nuno noted the region's impressive safety record, with no reported incidents involving tourists in the past two years, and its highest bed occupancy rates last year, attributing these achievements to sustained security operations.
Nuno appealed to local and international tourists to continue visiting the coast and urged investors to consider the region for their ventures, assuring them of a safe and secure environment. "I want to appeal to tourists, both local and international, please come to your preferred tourist destination. Everything is under control, safe and secure," said Nuno. He also encouraged investors to seize the opportunity to invest in the coastal region, emphasizing its safety and security.