DCI destroys chemicals used in narcotic drugs manufacture

Precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs being destroyed at the East African Portland Cement plant in Athi River, Machakos County, on October 9, 2025. /DCI

A consignment of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs was destroyed on Thursday, marking a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing fight against illicit drug production.

The chemicals were destroyed at the East African Portland Cement plant in Athi River, Machakos County.

The chemicals were seized in September 2024 following a coordinated operation in Namanga, during which the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said it dismantled a transnational criminal network attempting to set up a large-scale drug manufacturing laboratory.

According to authorities, the illicit facility was intended to supply both local and international narcotics markets.

The operation was led by the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, working in collaboration with other security agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of Criminal Investigations during the destruction exercise, DCI Director of Planning Bernard Walumoli reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to combating the narcotics trade at all levels — from production and trafficking to distribution.

“The destruction of these chemicals sends a clear message; Kenya will not be a safe haven for organised criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of dangerous drugs,” Walumoli said.

Precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs being destroyed at the East African Portland Cement plant in Athi River, Machakos county, October 9, 2025. /DCI

He noted that the DCI continues to strengthen its capacity through training, technology, and partnerships, acknowledging that the fight against drug trafficking requires constant adaptation to evolving criminal tactics.

“We continue to invest in specialised training, modern investigative tools, enhanced forensic capacity, and robust partnerships both locally and internationally, to stay ahead of ever-evolving criminal threats,” he added.

The Director of the Anti-Narcotics Unit echoed these sentiments, describing the exercise as an important step in ensuring accountability and transparency in the handling of seized substances.

“By ensuring these chemicals are permanently destroyed, we close the loop on any chance of them finding their way back into society,” he said.

Precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs being destroyed at the East African Portland Cement plant in Athi River, Machakos county, October 9, 2025. /DCI

The destruction was conducted under strict environmental and safety standards and supervised by representatives from key government institutions, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Government Chemist, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

The DCI also expressed appreciation to international partners for their continued support in Kenya’s counter-narcotics operations, terming such collaborations essential to dismantling transnational criminal syndicates.

The agency said the operation underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy on narcotics and serves as a warning to criminal groups seeking to exploit Kenya’s borders for illicit trade.

It reaffirmed Kenya’s determination to protect its citizens from the devastating social and economic effects of drug abuse and trafficking — a fight, the DCI said, it remains committed to pursuing with precision, vigilance, and resolve.