Police arrest 20 suspects in Malindi gang crackdown

In a sharp intelligence-led operation, Kilifi North Sub‑County police have arrested a suspected drug trafficker in the Kibaoni area. The National Police Service (NPS) reports that officers laid an ambush following a tip‑off from local residents, leading to the arrest of the individual. During the search, they recovered a nylon packet containing 11 sachets of a substance believed to be heroin, as well as KSh 800, which is believed to be the proceeds of the illicit trade. The Star+2Citizen Digital+2
Drug trafficking remains a persistent concern along Kenya’s Coast, and this arrest underscores law enforcement’s intensified crackdown in Kilifi. According to NPS, the seized drugs and cash have been secured at Kilifi Police Station and will be used as exhibits in the forthcoming trial. The Star The authorities praised the role of the community, noting that cooperation and timely information from residents played a pivotal role in foiling the trafficking attempt. Citizen Digital
The arrest has sent a strong signal to drug networks operating in the coastal region. Local residents have welcomed the move, saying it brings hope for cleaner neighbourhoods, while the police reaffirm their commitment to sustained operations. The Star+2Citizen Digital+2 Investigators are now working to trace the source of the heroin, and possibly identify larger distribution links in the area. The Star
Looking ahead, the NPS has promised not to let this case be an isolated win. It has vowed to ramp up intelligence‑driven raids and deepen community‑police partnerships to dismantle broader trafficking networks across Kilifi County. Citizen Digital