UPDATE
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POLICE in Mombasa are searching for a woman politician over Sh3 million bhang seized in Kisauni constituency.
Inspectorate officers raided the house in Mtopanga on Saturday.
They impounded 16 sacks stuffed with bhang and nabbed one suspect but the politician escaped, Coast police boss Robert Kitur told the Star on the phone yesterday.
“We suspect the haul was brought from Tanzania. We are looking for the owner of the house,” Kitur said.
Kitur said the suspect is being interrogated and will appear in court to face drug trafficking charges.
An officer involved in the raid told the Star the politician enjoys protection from senior officials at Bamburi police station.
“She is a well-known drug dealer, but senior officers on her payroll are always protecting her to intimidate junior officers,” the officer said.
Kitur said a team comprising National Police Service and county inspectorate officers has been established to eradicate drug cartels.
He said the team has impounded several drug substances and arrested suspects.
“We are going to assemble what we have recovered and the suspects. We are working towards eradicating the drug menace,” Kitur said.
He said the team will shut down major drug dens and arrest traffickers.
Last week MombasaGgovernor Hassan Joho declared drug and substance abuse a disaster.
Joho directed the county assembly to pass laws to heighten the fight against illicit drug trade.
Mombasa has been identified as transit hub for drug operated by powerful businessmen and politicians.