Kenya has honoured Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s request to hand over intercepted heroin. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), has handed over a load of narcotic drugs to Tanzanian Authorities.
The consignment was seized at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on 9th November 2020 and was handed over to the Tanzanian government, following a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request submitted by the Tanzanian government in relation to criminal proceedings against suspects Mohammed Yusuph Mzimba and Enrique Dos Santos.
The intercepted shipment, which was in transit to the Netherlands, had originated from Tanzania. 56 packages containing powdery substances disguised as hair braids were recovered.
Eventually the recovered substance was tested and analyzed by the Government Analyst and confirmed to be 1,712.34 grams of heroin, which is a prohibited substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994.
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This successful interception is part of ongoing coordinated efforts between Kenya and its regional partners to disassemble international drug trafficking organizations that pose significant threats to regional security and public health.
“DCI is committed to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” the ANU Director said when he spoke at the handover ceremony.
He made it clear that narcotic drugs not only destroy lives and communities but also ignite organized crime, which undermines economic stability and security across the region.
“Criminal networks exploit jurisdictional gaps, geographical challenges, and bureaucratic delays to further their illegal trade, hence the need for strong, consistent, and structured collaborations.” Ibrahim Jillo, the Director in charge of Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB), noted.
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Augustine Kitonyi, the Director of Legal Services, urged for further strengthened cooperation, not just in narcotics enforcement, but across all areas of transnational crime.
“I want to commend DCI for its vigilance and professionalism. The gesture reflects the deepening bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania in combating the global challenge of illicit drug trafficking. Isaac Isanzu, an official from the Tanzanian High Commission, noted.
The ANU continues to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure traffickers are arrested and brought to justice through intelligence sharing, enhanced border controls, and other efforts. Also present during the handover ceremony were Tanzania’s Anti-Narcotics Director, Mr. Israel Makongo, and the ODPP representative, Mr. Elisante Masaki.
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