NAIROBI, Kenya – A week-long nationwide operation targeting organized crime networks has led to major drug seizures, arrests, and the recovery of counterfeit goods in coordinated raids across the country.
The operation, code-named “Usalama XI”, was spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through its National Central Bureau (NCB–Nairobi) and the Operations Directorate, in collaboration with officers from the National Police Service and other state enforcement agencies.
The multiagency sweep forms part of a joint regional initiative by the Eastern and Southern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organizations (EAPCCO and SARPCCO).
The effort aims to dismantle transnational criminal networks involved in drug and human trafficking, wildlife crime, terrorism, mineral smuggling, illicit arms trade, copper cable theft, and motor vehicle theft.
“The joint operation significantly weakened several organized crime rings operating within and beyond Kenya’s borders,” the DCI said in a statement.
MULTI-AGENCY CRACKDOWN LEAVES A TRAIL OF SEIZURES AND ARRESTSA week-long nationwide crackdown has left criminal networks across the country reeling, following a coordinated multi-agency operation spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ National Central Bureau
Counterfeit Currency Seized in Nairobi
In Nairobi’s Royal Park Estate, Lang’ata, detectives from the Transnational Organized Crimes Unit (TOCU) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) raided a residence where they recovered counterfeit U.S. currency valued at $31,700 (approximately KSh4 million).
The suspect, Nanji Nabil Taj, 32, was arrested at the scene and is assisting detectives with investigations.
Major Drug Haul at the Coast
In a separate incident, security teams intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck ferrying 568 kilograms of cannabis sativa worth about KSh17 million along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
The truck driver, Shem Horace Obonyo, 38, was taken into custody as both the vehicle and the narcotics were impounded.
Piracy Syndicate Busted in Eldoret
In Eldoret, a digital piracy operation linked to the illegal sale and installation of pirated WAKA Internet Streaming and IPTV services was dismantled.
Detectives arrested Kelvin Kiplang’at, believed to be the ringleader, and seized two mobile phones, 135 advertising flyers, and the WAKA TV control panel used to manage unauthorized access. Investigators also disabled 64 illicit subscriber accounts connected to the network.
Wildlife Traffickers Nabbed
In another operation along Mombasa Road’s Shalom area, officers arrested two suspects found in possession of five elephant tusks valued at approximately KSh7.8 million.
The pair was processed at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters before being booked at Lang’ata Police Station, pending arraignment.
Regional Security Cooperation
The Usalama XI initiative is conducted annually under EAPCCO and SARPCCO’s framework, fostering cross-border intelligence sharing and joint enforcement to combat organized crime across the region.
Authorities say the results of this year’s operation highlight the importance of sustained regional cooperation in addressing transnational threats.
