The DCI on Thursday destroyed narcotic precursor chemicals seized from a clandestine Namanga lab, marking a decisive blow against transnational drug cartels.
The drugs, destroyed at the East African Portland Cement plant in Athi River, Machakos County, highlight Kenya’s renewed commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility, and cross-agency collaboration in the war on illicit drugs.
The chemicals, seized in September 2024, were recovered following a coordinated operation targeting a transnational criminal network operating in Namanga.
The sting, led by the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, dismantled a large-scale drug production ring that had been setting up a laboratory aimed at supplying both local and international markets.
Speaking during the destruction exercise, Director of Planning and representative of the DCI Director, Bernard Walumoli, reaffirmed the Directorate’s firm resolve to disrupt drug networks and dismantle their supply chains.
“The destruction of these chemicals sends a clear message: Kenya will not be a safe haven for organised criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Walumoli.
He noted that the DCI continues to strengthen its counter-narcotics efforts through specialized training, modern investigative tools, enhanced forensic capacity, and strategic partnerships both locally and internationally.
“We are investing in capabilities that allow us to stay ahead of ever-evolving criminal threats,” he added.
The Director of the Anti-Narcotics Unit echoed the same sentiments, stressing that the destruction of the seized materials reflects DCI’s transparency and accountability in handling narcotics-related cases.
“By ensuring these chemicals are permanently destroyed, we close the loop on any chance of them finding their way back into society,” he said.
The destruction exercise was conducted under strict environmental and safety standards, in collaboration with the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Government Chemist, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
The DCI extended appreciation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their continued support in Kenya’s fight against narcotics, reinforcing the country’s cooperation with international partners to curb drug-related crimes.
Officials described the event as a powerful demonstration of the government’s zero-tolerance stance on drugs, warning that Kenya’s borders will not be exploited by criminal cartels seeking to engage in illegal trade.
“Today’s operation stands as a powerful statement of the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics, and a stern warning to criminal cartels attempting to exploit Kenya’s borders for illegal trade,” read part of the DCI’s statement.