QUANTICO, USA — Senior investigators from Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have completed the Basic Narcotics Investigations Course at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in a development officials say strengthens global collaboration against transnational drug trafficking.
During the closing ceremony, Director of the Anti‑Narcotics Unit (ANU) at the DCI Samwel Laboso,, framed today’s threats as “global, sophisticated and technologically advanced,” noting that drug trafficking has evolved into “a highly adaptable, technologically advanced and financially strong business” dominated by powerful transnational criminal networks.
“Drug trafficking is no longer limited by geography. These criminal groups use international trade routes, weak borders, online platforms and complicated financial systems to move drugs and hide the profits,” Laboso said.
“Given their speed and innovation, law enforcement must respond with equal flexibility and resourcefulness.”
CLOSURE OF THE BASIC NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS COURSE AT DEA ACADEMY, QUANTICO, USA“Drug trafficking is no longer limited by geography. It has evolved into a highly adaptable, technologically advanced, and financially strong business. Powerful transnational criminal networks
Shared Resolve and Global Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of DCI Director Mohammed Amin, Laboso said the graduation symbolises “our shared determination” and the strength of partnerships “based on trust, mutual respect, and the understanding that no single nation can eliminate the global narcotics trade alone.”
The month‑long programme brought together anti‑narcotics officers not only from Kenya but also from the National Drug Enforcement Agency of Ghana and the Narcotics Control Commission of Nigeria, focusing on advanced investigative techniques designed to dismantle transnational drug networks and enhance intelligence‑led enforcement.
Kenya’s Multi‑Faceted Approach to Narcotics
Amin reaffirmed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to a broad strategy to contain narcotics threats, one that combines enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, public awareness and sustained international cooperation.
“Lasting success in the fight against narcotics requires both operational strength and societal resilience,” Amin said in a statement.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States and the DEA for hosting and supporting the course, emphasising that ongoing investment in skills development and international collaboration reflects “visionary leadership in tackling one of the biggest global security threats of our time.”
Strengthening Kenya’s Anti‑Narcotics Capabilities
Graduates of the course will return to Kenya equipped with enhanced skills in investigation, evidence gathering, intelligence sharing and disrupting illicit drug supply chains.
Training at the DEA Academy is widely recognised for its rigorous curriculum and international best practices, preparing officers to operate in multi‑jurisdictional environments.
Through the Sensitive Investigative Unit (SIU) of the ANU, the DCI said it remains focused on protecting communities, aiding vulnerable populations and dismantling criminal supply networks through strategic partnerships, skill development and intelligence‑driven operations.
Officials said the strengthened capabilities will support Kenya’s domestic efforts while enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners against emerging threats posed by narcotics trafficking.
