DPP Opposes Release of Kenyan Wanted in the US on Drug-Related Charges

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has opposed the release of Mansur Mohamed Surur, a Kenyan national wanted in the US over drug-related charges.

Haji in an application filed in court on Monday argued that the accused is likely to flee the country if granted bail.

Mansur was arrested at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, on July 29th after arriving from Yemen on a chartered flight. 

He is said to have left the country through South Sudan before traveling to Yemen after US authorities issued a warrant for his arrest following his indictment by a New York court for conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute narcotic drugs.

On Monday, the prosecution told the court that police are still investigating how Mansur managed to travel to Yemen despite Interpol's red notice.

The DPP further told the court that he has received an extradition request from the US and is also seeking the arrest of Mansur’s accomplice, Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh alias Badro.

The prosecution said Badro was arrested in June 2019 but he vanished after he was freed on bond. They argued that Mansur could also escape like his coconspirator if released.

Mansur is wanted by US authorities over involvement in drug trafficking and illegal trade of rhino horns and elephant ivory worth Sh700 million ($7 million). The crimes led to the poaching of over 35 rhinos and more than 100 elephants.

The suspect was previously indicted for money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute more than 10 kilograms of heroin to a buyer in New York. 

Milimani Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku ordered Mansur to be detained at Capitol Hill Police Station pending analyses of several applications by the DPP and the defense team. Mutuku will rule on the accused’s bail application on Wednesday.

DPP Haji signed the extradition request from the US under Section 5(1) of Kenya’s Extradition (Contiguous and Foreign Countries), Act, Cap 76, the court was told.