Private Jetties Used to Traffic Drugs, Says PC

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Brian Otieno

10 June 2011

Private jetties across the Coast region are now being used by barons and other tycoons to indulge in illegal activities including drug and human trafficking, the government has said.

Coast deputy PC Khamasi Shivogo yesterday said that the over 600 private jetties at the Coast have become the target for sneaking drugs and humans in and out of the country.

This, he said, is a result of tight security at the main borders along the Coastline. Shivogo said a number of private jetties are under strict surveillance. “We have received reports that there are some activities that are suspect in some of the jetties. Investigations are currently ongoing to establish exactly what goes on in these jetties,” said Shivogo.

At the weekend, Msambweni MP Omar Zonga said the drug traffickers are now using alternative routes to traffic drugs. Zonga said the drug dealers now use small ports or jetties in Shimoni, Kiunga and other parts of the Coast.

The deputy PC instructed chiefs to be on the lookout and randomly conduct searches in the private jetties whenever necessary to unearth any illegal items or activity taking place.

Speaking after attending a Nacada seminar, Shivogo said the private jetty owners have to cooperate with the provincial administration whenever searches are conducted. “No one should tell a provincial administration officer that they are invading their privacy when searches are conducted. We want to know what activities go on there. Your private life may be detrimental to the community or society at large,” Shivogo warned.

Shivogo said all stakeholders, including the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Kenya Police Maritime Unit need to concentrate their efforts on the private jetties. “Our concerted efforts will be key to preventing the trafficking of drugs that have continued to destroy our youths,” he said

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