KWale County has declared an all-out crackdown on illicit drugs and illegal alcohol, with authorities vowing to root out criminal networks and curb substance abuse among youth and adults alike. County Commissioner Stephen Orinde announced the intensified operations during a security meeting at the Kwale Cultural Centre, which brought together chiefs, assistant chiefs, deputy county commissioners, and local police commanders. The initiative seeks to dismantle drug trafficking and bootleg liquor distribution across all six sub-counties, signaling a firm commitment to restoring law and order in the coastal region.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over rising drug dependency among youth in Kwale and neighboring counties. According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), substances like heroin, marijuana, and toxic home-brewed alcohol continue to threaten social stability in Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale. Orinde emphasized that security officers would employ undercover operations to infiltrate criminal networks and urged the public to provide intelligence on suspected offenders. Authorities warned that no one—regardless of rank or social standing—would be spared if found complicit in drug or liquor crimes.
Residents and government officials have welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to safeguard youth and promote community well-being. Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga called for collective action, stressing that substance abuse wastes productive years and hampers socio-economic development. Looking ahead, the county plans to pair enforcement with prevention programs, including public education and rehabilitation initiatives, aiming to reduce dependency and protect the next generation from the perils of drug abuse. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these combined measures will restore order and secure a healthier, more productive future for the coastal communities.