Kenyan authorities have dismantled a clandestine drug laboratory in Namanga, linking it to a transnational criminal network spanning Africa, Asia, and South America. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying details following a recent media report suggesting Mexican cartel involvement.
The lab, discovered in September 2024, was hidden within a remote 10-acre parcel of land, just 8 km from the Nairobi-Namanga highway. Upon investigation, authorities seized chemicals, laboratory apparatus, instruction manuals, and mobile phones allegedly used in communication with cartel members.
The first suspect, Betty Mukami Micheni, was arrested at the scene. Authorities later apprehended two Nigerian nationals, Agwu Ojukwu and MBA Agwu Ogba, alleged masterminds of the operation. Ojukwu was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in October while attempting to flee the country.
According to the DCI, Ojukwu was the architect of the laboratory and had been recruiting specialists in synthetic opioids, particularly methamphetamine production. “Investigations revealed that Ojukwu was the mastermind and architect of the clandestine lab,” the statement read.
Authorities also arrested former Mexican police officer Alvarado Israel Vera, who was allegedly assisting in establishing operations in Kenya. “It has since been established that Alvarado is among two other Mexicans recruited for their expertise in ‘cooking’ synthetic opioids,” the DCI disclosed.
The investigation has so far implicated two Kenyan companies, ENORMED PHARMA LTD and BETLINK SUPPLIES LTD, for allegedly supplying chemicals used in the illicit operation.
Kenyan police have refuted claims that the cartel successfully operated in the country. “We clarify that the drug cartel did not succeed in operationalizing their illegal activities in the country,” the DCI affirmed.
Authorities vowed to intensify their crackdown on organized crime, emphasizing cooperation with international agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “We remain dedicated to this fight and will continue to work tirelessly toward our goal of establishing a drug-free nation.”
