KRA officers arrested in Ksh.200M drug bust

Three officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority were arrested after a police raid at Eldoret Airport where drugs estimated to be worth Ksh.200 million were seized.

One person from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board was also nabbed during the operation that uncovered a huge consignment of Mandrax drugs concealed as vitamins.

Sources indicate that the raid followed intelligence reports that the drugs were frequently being trafficked through the airport.

According to North Rift Regional Coordinator Mongo Chimwanga, a similar raid was also conducted at a go-down in Kasarani area, Nairobi where a man believed to be a kingpin in the drug business was arrested.

He added that they are following leads to know whether the drugs had been supplied to other parts of Eldoret and its environs.

Chimwanga issued a stern warning to other government officers who may be involved in drug trafficking saying they would be caught and urged Kenyans to remain vigilant.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno also warned airport employees against misusing the facility.

Earlier, officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) were deployed to the airport following a clash between the suspects after they were exposed.

Sources indicate that the raid took place after  complaints emerged of laxity by officials at the airport to facilitate criminal activities that expose the country to extreme danger.

KRA North Rift Regional Coordinator Florence Otori however contradicted reports that it was police who discovered the drugs and instead maintained that it was her officers who had raised the alarm.