The discussions signal a renewed commitment by both nations to address the sale, distribution, and consumption of illicit narcotics.
On Wednesday, Amin held high-level talks with George Papadopoulos, the Principal Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), during a meeting dubbed the Kenya Delegation on Cooperation, Collaboration, and Partnership in the Fight Against Drugs.
The meeting covered several priority areas, including strengthening forensic capabilities, advanced training for law enforcement, and community outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations.
Both parties emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing and the need for grassroots education to prevent drug abuse.
“We are committed to deepening our partnership to create a drug-free society,” said Papadopoulos, pledging U.S. support in the form of training, resources, and technical expertise.
The DEA also underscored its willingness to collaborate on joint initiatives designed to disrupt drug trafficking networks.
Kenya’s delegation expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership, which has already yielded significant successes.
One notable example is the 2014 arrest of the Akasha brothers, who were nabbed in Mombasa during a U.S.-led sting operation.
The operation exposed a major international drug trafficking network, leading to the conviction of key players.
The Akasha brothers, Baktash and Ibrahim, pleaded guilty to trafficking heroin and methamphetamine in a Manhattan court in 2018.
The duo received prison sentences of 25 and 23 years, respectively.
Their downfall was a result of close collaboration between Kenyan authorities and U.S. agencies, including the DEA.
In the latest talks, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to dismantle similar drug networks by focusing on enforcement and prevention.
The delegation highlighted the importance of empowering community stakeholders and law enforcement officers to counter the drug menace effectively.
The partnership between Kenya and the DEA continues to play a pivotal role in disrupting narcotics supply chains, and the latest meeting serves as a testament to the countries’ shared commitment to safeguarding public health and security.