Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strict orders to security teams in the Coast Region to arrest and prosecute all drug lords within two weeks.
Gachagua, while speaking at the conclusion of a consultative conference on alcohol and drug abuse in Mombasa County, emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards laxity in addressing the issue.
The DP further highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to combating crime, stating,
“Within two weeks, we must get rid of this problem, we want to see people in court,” Gachagua said.
“The issue of orders from above and phone calls ended on September 13, 2022, when President William Ruto was sworn in,” he added.
Acknowledging the severity of drug abuse in the Coast Region, particularly the consumption of hard drugs, Gachagua promised the government’s determination to eradicate this menace.
Gachagua also urged security teams to utilize legal frameworks such as the penal code, CPC, and Evidence Act to address the issue of drugs once and for all. Additionally, he tasked the Pharmacy and Poisons Board with identifying and closing down illegally operating pharmacies and chemists.
“Pharmacy and poison’s board, map out the licensed outlets for us, we shall close the rest for you,” Gachagua instructed.
Furthermore, Gachagua called on the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to conduct a thorough assessment of the drug menace within communities to enable informed decision-making by the government.
During the consultative meeting, participants emphasized the importance of enforcing laws governing alcohol sales and eliminating narcotics.
