Marsabit: Government officers serving in Marsabit County have been warned against abetting smuggling on the Ethiopia-Kenya border. Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau expressed concern over increased cases of illegal activities concerning illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and human trafficking and cautioned of dire consequences against any public servant involved in the vices.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Kamau addressed the press in his office following the netting of 147 bales of bhang valued at Sh19.3 million in two incidents within Sololo sub-county in two weeks. He called for collaboration among government agencies to bring the menace to an end. The County Commissioner observed that the recently recruited national police reservists (NPR), who managed to intercept the contraband cargo at Elebor and Ambalo areas, were effectively complementing the work of the police.
"As much as we commend the police and the NPR for the good work, there is glaring evidence that some public servants and offices could be complacent," he stated, adding that investigations were underway to find out why the menace was proving difficult to eradicate. He mentioned that two vehicles found to be transporting the narcotics were impounded while legal action has been taken against three suspects arrested in connection with the crime.
The county commissioner, who was accompanied by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) county coordinator Mohamed Waqo, noted that the illegal drug and counterfeit alcoholic drinks trade was not only a security threat but also a health hazard. He lauded the NPR for the significant role they have played in fighting cross-border cattle rustling incursions from neighboring countries of Samburu, Isiolo, and Turkana.
While acknowledging the support from members of the public to the multi-agency teams deployed in various parts of the county in the effort to eliminate the vices, Kamau assured that the inter-border crimes would be fought relentlessly. "Security measures to tighten grip on the seemingly increased smuggling have been taken, which include the establishment of multi-agency checkpoints and patrols on all major roads and panya roots have been instituted," he said.
The County Commissioner further hinted at the possibility of deploying Anti-narcotics police unit personnel to be stationed at the border town of Sololo to enhance the fight against the smuggling of drugs and contraband. This followed a request by the NACADA county coordinator, saying the move could greatly bolster the war against the menace.