- Seven suspects, including two foreigners, are in custody following the recovery of 24 kilograms of cocaine and over 1,200 kilograms of ketamine.
- The drugs, valued at approximately Sh121 million, were seized based on intelligence leads.
- A motor vehicle carrying cartons labeled ‘Boss Head’ and suspected to contain narcotics was intercepted on June 17 along Wangari Maathai road.
- Further search at the suspects’ residence led to the discovery of 46 drums filled with powdery substances, 55 packages containing similar substances, and 133 sacks of sodium bicarbonate.
In a significant breakthrough, anti-narcotics detectives based at the DCI headquarters have apprehended seven suspects, including two foreigners, following the recovery of a substantial consignment of illegal drugs.
The haul consists of 24 kilograms of cocaine and over 1,200 kilograms of ketamine, with an estimated value of approximately Sh121 million. The recovery was made possible through intelligence leads and marks a major blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
Dugs in Xtrail
The operation began when anti-narcotics detectives intercepted a Nissan X-Trail, bearing registration number KDE 868N, along Wangari Maathai road on June 17. The vehicle, which was headed to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was found to contain approximately 23 cartons labeled ‘Boss Head’ and suspected to contain narcotic drugs. Two occupants of the vehicle were promptly taken into custody for further investigation.
Subsequent investigations led the authorities to a house in Ngara, where a search yielded even more illicit substances. The suspects’ residence revealed 46 drums filled with whitish powdery substances, packed in clear polythene bags. Additionally, fifty-five packages containing similar powdery substances, suspected to be narcotic drugs, were found in clear polythene bags. Furthermore, 133 sacks, each weighing 25 kilograms and marked as sodium bicarbonate, were also seized from the premises.
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To ensure proper handling and analysis, the seized substances were weighed and sampled at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994. The process was overseen by a Government analyst from the Government Chemist, assisted by experts from the forensic lab, to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the investigation.
The seven suspects in custody have been identified as Muhammed Salem Mohamed Hussein, a Pakistani national, Khan Mohamed Ashraf Changu, an Indian national, Wesley Silvanus Adwenya, Paul Kivuli Sote, Railings Innocent Ogondi, Moses Liyai Imbwanga, and Latif Mohamed Dawood. They are believed to be connected to the recovery of the illicit substances and will be arraigned in court on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the JKIA Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Apprehended
In a related development, airport anti-narcotics detectives apprehended a Thai national named Netima Ngamsap at JKIA’s terminal 1C. The arrest occurred just moments before she was set to board a flight to Singapore. The eagle-eyed detectives noticed a suspicious package concealed in a false bottom of the suspect’s suitcase. The package was found to contain 3 kilograms of cocaine. Ngamsap is currently in custody, cooperating with investigators as they delve further into the case.
