Police in Lamu have nabbed over 80 bags of contraband sugar.

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This follows a crackdown that was launched on Wednesday, which also saw five suspects arrested.

Confirming the incident, Lamu police commandant Muchangi Kioi, indicated 3.5 kgs of the sugar was seized in a retail store, 44 bags in Mpeketoni and 33 Kiunga areas.

"The sugar is 4,025kg, estimated to be worth Sh402,500. We have arrested five suspects," he said on Thursday.

Kioi said the contraband sugar was being smuggled into Lamu from Mombasa by unscrupulous businessmen and further warned that his officers were alert.

Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i warned that contraband sugar contains mercury which is harmful to human beings.