DCI Clarifies Incident Involving Mexican Drug Cartel Operations in Kenya
The DCI clarified that a Mexican drug cartel did not successfully establish a meth lab in Kenya, as reported by the U.S. State Department. Following a raid in September 2024, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation, linked to a broader international drug trafficking network. DCI’s proactive measures illustrate effective intervention against drug-related activities in the region.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has clarified accusations regarding a Mexican cartel allegedly operating a methamphetamine lab in Namanga, Kenya. Their statement followed a report by the U.S. Department of State indicating the cartel’s activities in Kenya until September 2024. The DCI asserted that the cartel’s efforts were thwarted by their Anti-Narcotics Unit prior to operational commencement.
On September 12, 2024, the DCI acted on a tip-off and raided a 10-acre property near the Nairobi-Namanga Highway. This operation unearthed two structures indicating potential drug production, including laboratory equipment and chemicals. Also recovered were two exercise books with chemical formulas and a mobile phone belonging to a Mexican suspect, leading to an immediate manhunt.
The first suspect, a Kenyan woman, was arrested on September 16, 2024, in Ruiru, suspected of overseeing the lab’s construction with a Nigerian accomplice. Documentation linking her to site purchases and chemical imports was seized. The Nigerian suspect was captured in Lavington on October 1, 2024, while his brother, a key figure in the setup, was detained at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The Nigerian brother was revealed to have connections with drug operations across several nations. A fourth suspect, a former Mexican police investigator, was also arrested at JKIA, thought to be part of the crew recruited for their meth production knowledge. In total, six individuals have been charged, including two Kenyan pharmacies implicated in supplying chemicals.
According to the DCI, this incident is linked to a larger international drug trafficking network involving countries such as Nigeria, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Gabon, revealing the complexity of global drug operations.
The DCI’s intervention prevented the establishment of a Mexican cartel-run meth lab in Kenya, showcasing effective law enforcement action. With multiple arrests, including key suspects linked to international drug trafficking networks, the situation reflects on the global challenges of drug-related crime. The DCI remains vigilant in addressing such threats as part of broader international cooperation against narcotics.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
