DCI Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Barons, Recovers 454kg of Methamphetamine

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its crackdown on drug barons and trafficking networks, arresting three suspects and recovering 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine valued at Sh3.6 billion in Kwale County. The operation, conducted on November 7, was intelligence-led and involved cooperation between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities. DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the recovery and arrests demonstrate the importance of cross-border collaboration in dismantling organised drug trafficking networks.

The suspects arrested include Basleman Saleh Khamis, a notorious drug baron wanted for narcotics trafficking in both Kenya and Tanzania, and 37-year-old Ugandan national Nakabugo Zuraicah, who were arrested in Shirazi village. Further investigations led detectives to Ganja la Simba village in Kinondo, where a targeted search yielded the 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine and the arrest of a third suspect, 54-year-old Tanzanian national Jamad Seif Said. Detectives also seized two motor vehicles alongside a red TVS motorcycle.

Amin said the suspects remain in custody as detectives pursue further leads to establish the full extent of the trafficking network and identify additional accomplices. The DCI has strengthened its investigative capacity through the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB), following the transformation of the former Anti-Narcotics Unit. In April 2026, 2,028 officers drawn from the Kenya Police Service and Administration Police were recruited into the bureau.

NANIB has also established 40 additional stations and trained 314 new and existing officers in basic anti-narcotics investigations, intelligence gathering and operational techniques. Between January and October 2026, the bureau recovered 21,505.54 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at Sh630.1 million, 10.23 kilogrammes of cocaine worth Sh40.9 million, 7.74 kilogrammes of heroin valued at Sh23.2 million, 7.67 kilogrammes of methamphetamine worth Sh61.3 million and 4.8 kilogrammes of amphetamine valued at Sh24 million.

The recoveries had a combined estimated value of Sh779.6 million, with 1,631 suspects arrested during the same period. The Kwale operation follows the seizure of 1,036 kilogrammes of methamphetamine aboard the vessel MV Mashaallah in the Indian Ocean, valued at approximately Sh8.2 billion. The drugs were destroyed on September 24, 2026.

Amin said the government had declared the fight against narcotics and illicit alcohol a national security priority, prompting the DCI to strengthen its investigative capacity. The DCI is collaborating with NACADA, county governments, customs authorities, border management committees, the Judiciary, ODPP and other investigative partners to secure convictions. The efforts aim to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

The DCI's intensified crackdown on drug barons and trafficking networks is part of a broader strategy to combat narcotics trafficking in Kenya. The recovery of 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine and the arrest of three suspects is a significant operational achievement, demonstrating the DCI's commitment to disrupting and dismantling organised crime networks.

Key points

• The DCI has recovered 21,505.54 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at Sh630.1 million between January and October 2026.
• The bureau has established 40 additional stations and trained 314 new and existing officers in basic anti-narcotics investigations.
• The recoveries had a combined estimated value of Sh779.6 million, with 1,631 suspects arrested during the same period.