Suspected drug trafficker arrested in Kilifi operation

In a decisive operation in Kilifi County, the National Police Service (NPS) raided two scrap metal yards in the Majengo area after receiving a tip-off from locals. The June 2, 2025, swoop by officers from Mtwapa Police Station led to the recovery of a fully assembled motorcycle alongside several dismantled parts concealed in plastic sacks. Two scrap yard managers were arrested on the spot and are currently in police custody as investigations continue. National Police Service+2Kenyans+2
The raid comes amid growing concerns that rogue scrap dealers in Kilifi have been acting as receivers for stolen motorcycles. According to the NPS, the public’s vigilance was key to the operation’s success. National Police Service+1 By targeting these scrap yards, authorities hope to dismantle what may be a larger criminal network that thrives on buying stolen bikes, disassembling them, and selling off parts. Kenyans+1
Community reaction has been largely positive, with residents commending the police for acting on their information. Local boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) operators, in particular, welcomed the intervention — many have long decried the spike in thefts disrupting their livelihoods. thekenyatimes.com+1 Observers say this arrest could be a turning point in curbing the illicit trade in stolen vehicle parts, especially in a coastal county where such thefts have previously gone under the radar.
Looking forward, the NPS has pledged to use the Kilifi operation as a blueprint for wider crackdowns on similar syndicates. Authorities are urging more residents to come forward with intelligence, promising that continued community cooperation could lead to further dismantling of criminal rings. National Police Service