Pubdate: Thu, 23 Dec 2004
Source: East African Standard, The (Kenya)
Copyright: 2004 The East African Standard
Contact:  http://www.eastandard.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1743
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

NACADA ADVISES LANDLORDS ON TRADE PACTS

Nairobi -- The National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) 
wants landlords to draw up agreements with tenants on the type of business 
the latter conduct in the rented premises.

Nacada national co-ordinator Mr Joseph Kaguthi warned that if the landlords 
failed to do so, they risked forfeiting their buildings if they were found 
to be used as stores for narcotic drugs.

"The Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1994 provides for seizure 
and forfeiture to the State of premises in which narcotics are stored," he 
said.

Kaguthi said agreements on the nature of businesses in leased premises 
would safeguard landlords against such forfeiture. Kaguthi was speaking on 
Wednesday during a sensitisation seminar for Coast district officers at a 
Mombasa hotel.

He, at the same time, accused some landlords of knowingly allowing the use 
of their premises for illegal deals due to greed for money.

Kaguthi also took issue with some multinational companies which, he said, 
had been kicked out of developed countries and ended up turning Kenya into 
a dumping ground for their banished products.

He said such products included those containing tobacco. "This is not 
acceptable and we must rise up against drugs and substance abuse in all 
their forms," Kaguthi said.

He said the war against drugs could be won if Kenyans became more vigilant 
and helped flush out the unscrupulous dealers. "Members of the public 
should be encouraged to keep vigil and identify any illegal activities 
going on in their areas," he said.

Present were Justice and Constitutional Affairs PS Dorothy Angote and Coast 
deputy PC Joseph Kimiywi.

Angote said 17 international development partners had donated over Sh2.5 
billion to the governance justice, law and order sector kitty.

"The drugs menace must be contained urgently. That is why we have extended 
technical and financial support to Nacada with funds from the kitty," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager