A multi-agency team operating under Operation Usalama in the Coast region has wrapped up a four-day operation resulting in notable successes.
The operation targeted drug dens in Kengeleni, Magodoroni, Shanzu, Kisumu Ndogo, Sea Breeze within Malindi township, and the Timboni area in Watamu.
During this extensive operation, the law enforcement team apprehended several suspects, including a juvenile and an army officer, while seizing various narcotic drugs, including heroin, marijuana, and diazepam.
In an additional effort to combat counterfeit goods, agents conducted searches at multiple shops. At Prijas Sports House in Mwembe Tayari, operated by Susan Kadzo Mulewa, 27 pieces of assorted counterfeit sportswear were recovered.
Another raid at Champions Style Sports in China Mall, managed by Abubakar Khalif, yielded 204 pieces of similar counterfeit items.
Further inspections were held at local bookshops to address counterfeit literature. Notably, at the Citizen bookshop in Mwembe Tayari, owned by Khadija Ali and Buda Abdala, seven series of counterfeit books were identified and confirmed by the respective publishers as violating copyright laws.
Furthermore, the Interpol-led team inspected over 100 vehicles at various customs facilities (CFS) and motor vehicle showrooms, finding no stolen cars on their blacklist.
Operation Usalama, initiated by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation (EAPCCO) and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), aims to combat transnational organized crime, including narcotics trafficking, motor vehicle theft, and the smuggling of counterfeit goods.
Both regional bodies have successfully conducted five similar operations since 2013, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing security across borders.
