DCI investigators raided the palatial home of Mombasa-based billionaire businessman Ali Punjani in a crackdown on narcotics drugs in the coastal city.
The operation was launched on Sunday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and has so far seen 18 suspected drug traffickers arrested.
On Monday evening, a team of officers with sniffer dogs camped in the compound of tycoon Punjani’s posh home in Nyali estate. Mombasa Police Commander Johnstone Ipara urged Punjani to present himself at any police station to record a statement over drug trafficking allegations.
Ipara said police were forced to break into the mansion and search for drugs because the businessman failed to present himself before authorities.
“We will not leave until we search this house top to bottom and establish that there are no drug substances inside,” said Ipara.
Kakawat Pankaj, Ali’s personal assistant told Kenyan Bulettin that tycoon Punjani, who is the DCI radar over drug trafficking, is admitted to Asian Heart Institute in India where he underwent open-heart surgery last week.
“The above patient (Mr Punjani) was admitted on July 29, 2019, following a heart attack/acute coronary syndrome. An angiogram done showed significant CAD with blocked coronary arteries. This is not amenable with angioplasty and he has been advised to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting urgently. This has been arranged at the Asian Heart Institute for next week,” stated a letter seen by Kenyan Bulletin and signed by Dr N. Chaudhry.
Bofu Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ahmed Salama is among the 18 people who were arrested in the crackdown on drugs. Five of the 18 suspects were found 42 sachets of heroin, 147 rolls of bhang and Sh608,000 in fake Kenyan currency.
The suspects were presented in court today, Tuesday and charged with drug trafficking and smuggling.
