Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested an Italian national in connection with running a drug lab.
In a statement by the DCI on Monday morning, it was revealed that the 37-year-old was arrested alongside a Kenyan after days of secret surveillance in Mwabungo village in Ukunda.
Reportedly, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Kenya police carried out a raid at a one-acre gated property in a secluded area, discovering the property.
In photos shared by DCI, the high-end property, secured with high brick walls and a seemingly heavily guarded gate, was shown, behind which chemicals used in narcotics manufacturing were found.
The team further recovered lab equipment suspected to be used in the manufacture of drugs, as well as packaging materials marked with names of known narcotics.
In addition to the recovered chemicals, the detectives also found that a section of the compound was being used to cultivate what is believed to be cannabis, adding to the growing list of evidence pointing to long-term illegal activity.
The two suspects are currently being held in police custody, awaiting arraignment and formal charges in court.
In the statement, the National Police Service also reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks and keeping Kenyan communities safe from the harmful effects of narcotics and the illegal drug trade.
This comes just months after DCI uncovered another drug lab being set up by foreigners in Kajiado County.
On September 12, 2024, detectives raided a 10-acre parcel of land just eight kilometres from the Nairobi-Namanga Highway following a tip-off.
In two iron sheet structures, they discovered equipment that pointed to it being a possible drug manufacturing facility. One of the structures housed laboratory apparatus, including chemicals, while the other hosted a chemical store, kitchen, and sleeping area.
Subsequently, several suspects were arrested, including three Kenyans, two Nigerians and one Mexican. Two more Mexicans believed to have been involved in the scheme are still on the run.
DCI believed that this was part of a powerful international nexus traversing the borders of Nigeria, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Gabon.
