By Dorothy Musyoka
In the fight against drug trafficking, over 99 kilograms of heroin, valued at more than KSh 297 million, and 997 grams of cocaine were destroyed at the Bamburi Cement incinerator in Mombasa.
The destruction, conducted by burning, was witnessed by representatives from the court, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Government Chemist, and senior police officials from the coastal region.
According to the detectives, the drugs seized in a series of anti-drug operations were part of completed cases that highlight the region’s battle against narcotics.
“Over 99kg of Heroin seized in a series of anti-drug crackdowns in the coastal region have been destroyed by burning, in an exercise witnessed by the court, ODPP, Government Chemist and top police command in the region,” stated the DCI.
“The highly addictive analgesic drug approximated at over Sh 297 million in street value and 997g of Cocaine were destroyed yesterday at the Bamburi Cement incinerator in Mombasa, following the completion of the cases,” added the detectives.
According to the reports, Fatuma Ahmed Ali and Swaleh Yusuf Ahmed (now deceased), who were arrested in September 2018 with 91.7 kg of heroin and nearly 1 kg of cocaine at their Kikambala Estate home in Kilifi County.
Following Swaleh Yusuf’s death during the trial, Fatuma Ahmed Ali was sentenced on November 19, 2024, to 40 years in prison and fined KSh 825.6 million.
In a separate incident, Maimuna Jumanne Amir was arrested at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, on March 14, 2021, while attempting to smuggle 5.8 kg of heroin worth KSh 17.6 million. She received a 30-year jail sentence.
Other individuals convicted in related cases include Juma Mwanyota, who was sentenced to 13 years, and Abdulmajid Msallam Timamu, who received a 15-year sentence.
Authorities revealed that more drug trafficking cases are nearing prosecution, with anti-drug enforcement agencies intensifying crackdowns across the country.