Kenyan law enforcement agencies achieved a significant victory in their fight against drug trafficking with the recovery of a substantial cache of narcotics valued at over Sh120 million.
In a meticulously planned operation last weekend, anti-narcotics detectives, based at the DCI headquarters, successfully intercepted a consignment of cocaine and ketamine valued at approximately Sh121 million.
This breakthrough has led to the arrest of seven suspects, including two foreigners, and marks a major stride in combating the illicit drug trade.
The operation, which was initiated based on credible intelligence, commenced with the interception of a Nissan X-trail, registered under the number KDE 868N, along Wangari Maathai road on June 17.
The vehicle, en route to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was occupied by two individuals and was found to contain approximately 23 cartons labelled 'Boss Head', suspected to contain narcotic substances.
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The subsequent search of the suspects' residence in Ngara uncovered 46 drums filled with whitish powdery substances, packaged in clear polythene bags.
Additionally, 55 packages, each containing similar powdery substances, were seized, along with 133 sacks weighing 25kg each, marked as sodium bicarbonate.
To ensure the integrity of the investigation, the seized substances were carefully handled and subjected to weighing and sampling procedures at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory.
The analysis was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994. A team of experts, including a Government analyst from the Government Chemist, oversaw the process, guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of the findings.
The apprehended suspects, namely Muhammed Salem Mohamed Hussein (a Pakistani national), Khan Mohamed Ashraf Changu (an Indian national), Wesley Silvanus Adwenya, Paul Kivuli Sote, Railings Innocent Ogondi, Moses Liyai Imbwanga, and Latif Mohamed Dawood, are currently in custody.
They will face charges related to their involvement in the drug trafficking network. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Chief Magistrate's Court at JKIA on Monday.
In a separate incident, the vigilance of anti-narcotics detectives at JKIA led to the arrest of a Thai national, identified as Netima Ngamsap.
The suspect was apprehended at Terminal 1C just moments before boarding a flight to Singapore.
Upon careful inspection of her luggage, authorities discovered approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a false bottom of her suitcase. Netima Ngamsap is currently assisting law enforcement officers with their investigations.
The successful operations conducted by Kenyan authorities demonstrate their unwavering commitment to tackling the menace of drug trafficking.
The recovery of narcotics worth millions of shillings and the subsequent arrests highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and collaborative efforts among various agencies.