POLICE in Coast Region have arrested 173 suspects for various offences, including trafficking government trophies, possession of illegal drugs, illicit alcohol and livestock theft.

Coast Regional Police Commander Salim Morcase confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during an operation carried out in December 2024, aimed at identifying, preventing and combating crime in the region.

Speaking to the media at his office at the weekend, Commander Morcase stated that the operation also led to the seizure of 3,687 kgs of copper wire, 3,547 L of diesel, 80 L of transformer oil, 86 L of illicit alcohol, 3 kg of bhang, 120.5 grams of miraa (khat), and six goats.

Regarding the copper wire, Commander Morcase revealed that six suspects had been arrested, while four others remained in custody in connection with the 80 L of transformer oil seized during the operation.

He explained that there is a belief that transformer oil is heavy and when used for frying chips or fish, it does not burn off quickly, which has contributed to the ongoing theft of the oil.

“This oil is believed to be used for frying chips or fish because it does not burn off quickly, which is why the theft continues. We promise to put an end to this practice, and it will no longer continue in our region,” he said.

Concerning government trophies, Commander Morcase disclosed that four suspects were arrested with eight elephant tusks, estimated to weigh 67 kg, five heads, 53 legs of a wild animal known as a tohe, and eight pieces of gazelle meat weighing 32 kg.

Additionally, Morcase reported that in December, 125 cases were brought to court, with 47 successful outcomes. Two out of five cases of gender-based violence also resulted in convictions.

In one gender-based violence case, a suspect found guilty was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and sodomy, while another received a 20-year prison sentence for sexual harassment.