DCI confirms raiding Mexican cartel-linked meth lab in Namanga

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the discovery of a drug laboratory in Namanga, Kajiado County, allegedly linked to a Mexican cartel.

However, the agency maintains that the syndicate was stopped before it could begin operations.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the illegal facility was uncovered on September 12, 2024, when a multi-agency team led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit raided a 10-acre property located eight kilometers from the Nairobi-Namanga highway.

“Two iron-sheet structures were found one containing laboratory apparatus and chemicals, and another serving as a chemical store, kitchen, and sleeping area,” the statement read.

The discovery led to a series of arrests, starting with Betty Mukami Micheni, who was taken into custody in Ruiru, Kiambu County, on September 16.

“Authorities believe she was instrumental in setting up the lab in collaboration with Nigerian national Agwu Ojukwu. Documents linking her to the purchase of land, chemicals, and equipment found at the site were seized from her residence,” the DCI said.

Investigations also connected Mukami to Ojukwu’s brother, MBA Agwu Ogba, who was arrested in Lavington, Nairobi, on October 1.

Two days later, authorities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) issued a stop order against Ojukwu, leading to his arrest on October 3 as he attempted to flee the country.

“Authorities identified him as the mastermind behind the operation, with links to drug cartels spanning South America, Nigeria, Gabon, South Africa, and China,” the DCI stated.

Another suspect, Alvarado Israel Vera, a former Mexican police investigative officer, was arrested at JKIA while trying to board a flight back to Mexico.

Investigators believe Ojukwu brought him, along with two other Mexican nationals still at large, to Kenya for their expertise in producing synthetic opioids, specifically methamphetamine.

The number of arrested suspects rose to six after police apprehended Caroline Wambui Muchira and Francis Maina Gachau, who are accused of sourcing and distributing chemicals used in the operation.

Additionally, two Kenyan companies, Enormed Pharma Ltd and Betlink Supplies Ltd, were cited in court for allegedly supplying laboratory chemicals.

The DCI emphasized that the operation had been dismantled before any production took place.

“We clarify that the drug cartel did not succeed in operationalizing their illegal activities in the country and that no members of the syndicate have been deported for trial elsewhere,” the agency said.

This statement comes just a day after a report by the US Department of State revealed that a meth lab was being run in Kenya until September 2024