A multi-agency team tasked to control the scrap metal industry has decried lack of support from the police in the fight.

Law enforcers have been accused of colluding with unscrupulous dealers who export the product to neighbouring countries.

The agency has complained that the police, especially on the Nairobi/Mombasa Highway heading to Namanga border point, have not been helpful in curbing the vice.

On Monday, a truck exporting scrap batteries to Tanzania was intercepted on Mombasa Road, only to be released two days after.

The truck was intercepted at around 10pm on Nairobi/Mombasa Road at Mboo Inzau. It was detained at Mashuru Police Station.

Yesterday, National Environment Management Authority (Nema) director general Mamo Boru called on the police to assist the relevant agencies in arresting the situation.

“Our officers feel dispirited when illegal items are intercepted only for the law enforcers to release them without valid reasons,” said Mamo.

The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), George Kinoti, also waded into the matter, saying he would order a probe.

Joseph Kopejo, Nema director in charge of Kajiado, said he was shocked to hear from the police at Mashuru Police Station that the lorry had been released a day after he was told that the owners did not have a licence to export batteries.

“I asked why the truck was released and was told that the owner had produced a licence. I found it queer since a few a hours ago they had told me there was no licence; they did not even take a photocopy to support their position,” he said.

The government recently lifted the ban on scrap metal business after six months, giving strict guidelines to regulate the sector, which included issuance of new licences.

When contacted, Mashuru police division boss (OCPD) Charles Chepkonga said multi-agency security teams were handling the matter.