The fight against drug abuse will take a new twist as the government security agencies redirect their arsenals to traders.
In a new strategy to eradicate the vice, the police will now forward charge sheets of illicit brew and drugs offenders to the Kenya Revenue Authority for the purposes of identifying and confiscating their property.
The notice was pronounced by Koibatek Subcounty security team led by Police Commander Benard Indeke during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) held at Garden Square in Eldama Ravine town, Baringo on Friday.
Indeke stated that the move aims to confiscate property acquired through the proceeds of illicit brew and drugs that are ruining the lives of many Kenyans.
“Going forward, those arrested will have the charge sheet sent to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and will lose their property acquired through illegal drugs and alcohol business,” reiterated Indeke.
This comes in the wake of sustained community pressure against illicit brew traders in Koibatek Subcounty.
Eldama Ravine Assistant County Commissioner David Cheruiyot acknowledged high cases of illicit drug trafficking at Maji Mazuri and Saos areas of Eldama Ravine Subcounty.
He noted with concern that youth of the reproductive age bracket are facing addiction, and the government is keen to reverse the situation.
“The biggest problem Koibatek has had for a long time is drug and alcohol abuse,” Cheruiyot said.
He was flanked by Koibatek DCIO Allan Mulana, and officer in charge of GK Prison Eldama Ravine Job Komen.
He stated that the government has been able to curb and reduce drug and substance abuse in the Poror and Mochongoi areas in Eldama Ravine.
Cheruiyot warned all those involved in the trafficking of illegal drug substances to reform, or they will rot in jail.
He stated that three notorious illicit brew dealers who are members of one family were arrested and are facing charges of selling liquor.
Cheruiyot also said that the government has brought assistant chiefs closer to the people in an effort to eradicate alcohol and illicit drugs.
He also requested the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse County Coordinator to establish another office in Eldama Ravine town to help in curbing drug and alcohol abuse within the area.
He congratulated some ten youths who had reformed and were sponsored to travel to Saudi Arabia for work.
Cheruiyot encouraged the youth to join Eldama Ravine Technical and Vocational College to learn valuable skills instead of abusing drugs and alcohol.
The NACADA Baringo County Coordinator Edward Chelanga stated that a survey showed that around 29 per cent of university and college students nationwide are abusing alcohol and drugs, while 23 per cent of employees in workplaces do the same.
