The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the discovery of an illegal drug laboratory in Namanga, Kajiado County, allegedly linked to a Mexican cartel.
However, authorities maintain that the syndicate did not succeed in starting its operations, as the lab was dismantled before production began.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DCI said that on September 12, 2024, a multi-agency team led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit, acting on intelligence, raided a 10-acre property about eight kilometers from the Nairobi-Namanga highway.
During the operation, officers found two iron-sheet structures—one containing laboratory apparatus and chemicals, while the other served as a storage area, kitchen, and sleeping quarters.
The discovery led to a wide-scale investigation, resulting in the arrest of several suspects believed to have been instrumental in setting up the facility.
The first suspect, Betty Mukami Micheni, was arrested in Ruiru, Kiambu County, on September 16, 2024.
Authorities believe she played a key role in securing the land, chemicals, and equipment used in the lab, working alongside a Nigerian national, Agwu Ojukwu. Documents linking her to the operation were seized from her residence.
Investigations further revealed that Mukami had ties with Ojukwu’s brother, MBA Agwu Ogba, who was arrested in Nairobi’s Lavington area on October 1, 2024.
Two days later, a stop order was issued against Ojukwu at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), leading to his arrest on October 3 as he attempted to flee the country.
The DCI identified him as the mastermind of the operation, with connections to drug cartels in South America, Nigeria, Gabon, South Africa, and China.
Authorities also arrested Alvarado Israel Vera, a former Mexican police investigator, at JKIA while he was trying to return to Mexico.
The DCI stated that Vera, along with two other Mexican nationals still at large, was brought in by Ojukwu for his expertise in manufacturing synthetic opioids, particularly methamphetamine.
The number of suspects in custody rose to six following the arrests of Caroline Wambui Muchira and Francis Maina Gachau, who were allegedly involved in procuring and distributing the chemicals used in the operation.
Additionally, two Kenyan companies, Enormed Pharma Ltd and Betlink Supplies Ltd, were cited in court for supplying laboratory chemicals linked to the illegal drug lab.
The DCI assured the public that the drug network had been dismantled before it could begin production.
“We clarify that the cartel did not succeed in operationalizing their illegal activities in the country, and no members of the syndicate have been deported for trial elsewhere,” the agency stated.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking through partnerships with international agencies, particularly the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“The unwavering commitment of the National Police Service, alongside our close cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, plays a crucial role in thwarting the activities of drug traffickers both within our country and throughout the region,” the DCI said.
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