The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with INTERPOL and other law enforcement agencies, has arrested 29 suspects and seized suspected counterfeit and contraband goods valued at more than KSh62.7 million during a three-day nationwide operation.
Dubbed Operation Usalama XII, the intelligence-led crackdown targeted counterfeit goods, illicit alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, falsified pharmaceuticals, human trafficking, wildlife-related crimes and other illegal activities across Nairobi, Central, Coast, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western regions.
The operation also involved the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Pharmacy and Poisons Board, National Anti-Narcotic Investigations Bureau (NANIB) and other specialised law enforcement units.
According to the DCI, the operation resulted in 198 motor vehicle checks against INTERPOL databases, the rescue of seven suspected trafficking victims and the recovery of 85 Kenyan passports from a suspected illegal recruitment agency.
In Nairobi, detectives seized suspected counterfeit consumer goods, electrical accessories and automotive components worth millions of shillings.
The recovered items included 3,991 suspected counterfeit Samsung and iPhone adapters, 1,963 football jerseys and Adidas-branded balls, beauty products, vehicle spare parts and lubricants.
Officers also recovered suspected falsified pharmaceuticals and diverted public medical supplies from an unlicensed clinic in Kayole.
Meanwhile, NANIB detectives seized several bottles of products suspected to contain narcotic or psychotropic substances from a pharmacy in Eastleigh for further analysis.
The crackdown also targeted suspected human trafficking and exploitation networks.
In Westlands, detectives arrested a suspect at a recruitment agency allegedly operating without the required licence. Officers recovered 85 Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts from the premises.
In Roysambu, three girls were rescued from suspected sexual exploitation. In a separate operation in Gilgil, officers intercepted four Somali nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking, including two minors.
In Nakuru, police arrested a suspect transporting 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately KSh2 million. Detectives also recovered counterfeit excise stamps.
Other operations across Central and Nyanza regions resulted in arrests and seizures involving suspected counterfeit and unmarked alcoholic beverages. Officers also recovered suspected counterfeit mobile phones, storage devices and footwear.
The DCI said Operation Usalama XII was coordinated through the National Central Bureau and the DCI headquarters’ Directorate of Operations, bringing together law enforcement and regulatory agencies to disrupt organised criminal activities.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities and their international partners to combat illicit trade, protect consumers, investigate trafficking networks and enforce laws governing the importation and sale of regulated products.
