SUGAR COMPANY LICENCE CANCELLED OVER DRUG TRAFFICKING CASE

British national Jack Marrian appears in court in Nairobi on August 8, 2016, where he faced charges of trafficking cocaine worth Sh598 million. A company associated with him is contesting revocation of its licence over the case. AFP PHOTO 

By MAUREEN KAKAH

A company associated with Jack Marrian, who was charged with trafficking cocaine worth Sh598m, has moved to court to challenge suspension of its license as a sugar importer.

Mshale Commodities Limited has sued the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) for suspending its sugar importation license indefinitely without prior notice.

Through lawyer Kioko Kilukumi, the company claims the suspension was done on August 12 contrary to the law and in violation of the Fair Administrative Action Act.

Mr Kilukumi claimed that the company cannot carry out its business and the suspension would result to irreparable losses which may force it to close down.

He disclosed that between December 2014 and September 2016, the company imported sugar worth Sh1 billion.

The company wants the court to quash the decision to suspend its registration.

Mr Marrian was charged with trafficking narcotic drugs valued at Sh598million. He was charged alongside Mr Roy Mwanthi.

They were both released on Sh70 million and Sh60 million bond respectively.
CREDIT: NMG