Embu Security officers faulted for abetting drug abuse

Embu, Thursday, June 22, 2023

KNA by Samuel Waititu

Embu North Deputy County Commissioner William Owino has accused some security personnel in the area of compromising ongoing crackdown on illegal liquor and drugs.

He cited an incident last weekend where they confiscated a consignment of suspected counterfeit liquor in Kibugu area, but got swapped with genuine brands by the time relevant authorities were called in to verify the authenticity.

“It is unfortunate that some of the stakeholders are sabotaging the war by colluding with suspects to evade arrest and continue with their illegal trade,” he complained.

Speaking on Thursday via a phone call from his office, Owino called on all stakeholders in the war to pull together as a team to eradicate the vice.

He said the crackdown that commenced on Monday has so far seen five unlicensed bars closed, over 300 bottles of counterfeit liquor nabbed, over 500 gm and 30 rolls of bhang nabbed as well as over 20 suspects arrested and arraigned in court.

The administrator however called on the judiciary to impose punitive sentences to suspects brought before court to act as a deterrent.

He said many suspects were getting away with lenient sentences thus eroding public confidence in the criminal justice system in fighting crime.

Owino vowed to continue with the fight to rid the area of the menace of these vices and called for public support. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A