Drug Baron Denied Bail After Threatening Key Witness with a Gun

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has opposed the release of an international drug trafficker, Jeam Emmanuel Morlon, also known as Lamarca J. Benjamin, claiming that he threatened a key witness with a picture of himself holding guns.

In an affidavit presented before the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Court, Sergeant Thomas Othoo stated that Morlon is a threat to national security, the complainant, and witnesses in a fraud case against him.

According to police, on January 25, 2025, after learning about the fraud charges, Morlon sent a WhatsApp message to the complainant, Didier Guillaume Gentil.

The message contained a photo of himself holding two pistols, with high-caliber firearms visible in the background, allegedly to intimidate Gentil into dropping the case.

Morlon also sent a picture of Gentil’s wife and seven-year-old daughter, threatening harm if the case proceeded.

Magistrate Njeri Thuku heard that Morlon is believed to be the leader of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, violent robbery, extortion, and money laundering. Police argue that releasing him could threaten public safety and national security.

In the case, Morlon is accused of fraudulently obtaining over KSh 12 million from Mercuri Ferdinando G. on January 20, 2025.

It is alleged that as a director of Afrex Bridge Connections Limited, he falsely promised to transport 550 kilograms of a high-value but undisclosed cargo from Kenya to Dubai, a transaction that never materialized.

During his arrest, police found two pistols, over 90 rounds of ammunition, gun magazines, and forged mineral dealership certificates at his residences in Kileleshwa and a conservancy in Nanyuki.

However, his lawyer said that the allegations by the police were false, stating that the affidavit was based on fear and lacked supporting evidence.

The accused is currently being held at the Industrial Area Prison.