Taib backs drug crackdown, calls for stronger gov’t support

MOMBASA, Kenya—Reachout Centre Trust Executive Director Taib Abdulrahman has backed the Government’s crackdown on drug trafficking, saying stronger action against supply networks is critical to protecting communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

Taib welcomed the destruction in Mombasa of methamphetamine worth approximately Sh8.6 billion, saying the operation demonstrates the critical role of security agencies in preventing dangerous substances from reaching communities.

He said the fight against drug use cannot be left to non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations alone, calling for a coordinated national response involving security agencies, government institutions, civil society and communities.

“We cannot leave the fight against drug use to NGOs alone. Organisations working on the ground are doing their part in prevention, awareness, treatment, harm reduction, recovery and community support, but we also need the government to do its part by suppressing the supply of drugs,” Taib said.

He said disrupting drug supply chains was an essential part of addressing substance use, arguing that communities cannot effectively tackle demand when illicit substances remain readily available.

Taib noted that organisations working directly with people affected by drug use continue to deal with the consequences of a problem whose supply networks often operate beyond the reach of communities.

“When security agencies intercept and destroy drugs before they reach our communities, they are protecting lives and strengthening the work being done by organisations on the ground. If we suppress the supply, we create a better environment in which prevention and demand-reduction efforts can succeed,” he said.

The Reachout Centre Trust executive director said the destruction of the methamphetamine should therefore be viewed not only as a law-enforcement operation but also as part of a wider public health and community protection effort.

He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and organisations involved in drug prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery, saying action against trafficking must be accompanied by adequate support for people already affected by substance use.

Taib also urged communities to remain vigilant and support initiatives aimed at preventing drugs from reaching young people and other vulnerable groups.

“The responsibility belongs to all of us. Security agencies must continue disrupting trafficking networks, while government and civil society must strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery and reintegration. We need to attack the problem from both sides—reduce the supply while helping communities reduce demand,” he said.

The comments follow the destruction in Mombasa of 1,036.044 kilogrammes of methamphetamine valued at approximately Sh8.2 billion after the consignment was intercepted by the Kenya Navy in the Indian Ocean in October 2025.

Reachout Centre Trust works with communities affected by substance use through prevention, awareness, harm reduction, treatment, recovery and support services.