Italian Man Caught in Ukunda Running Secret Drug Lab and Cannabis Farm. DCI Strikes Again!

In a shocking turn of events, detectives in Kenya have uncovered a secret drug lab and cannabis farm in the coastal town of Ukunda. The operation was reportedly being run by a 37-year-old Italian man and his Kenyan accomplice. 

The arrest followed several days of quiet surveillance by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Working closely with the Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Kenya Police, the team launched a raid on a one-acre property located deep in Mwabungo village. 

The property appeared normal at first glance, but it was far from ordinary. It was surrounded by high brick walls and guarded by a heavy metal gate. What was behind those walls stunned the detectives. 

Inside, officers found several chemicals believed to be used in making illegal drugs. There was also lab equipment and packaging materials with labels matching well-known narcotics. This suggested a fully functional drug manufacturing operation had been going on in secret. 

In one part of the compound, detectives made an even more surprising discovery, a section had been turned into a cannabis plantation. This added weight to the suspicion that the suspects had been operating the drug lab for a long time. 

The DCI shared photos of the raid on social media, revealing the scale and secrecy of the operation. The suspects are now in police custody and will soon be taken to court to face formal charges. 

In their statement, the National Police Service reaffirmed its strong commitment to fighting drug crimes. They promised to continue dismantling networks that bring drugs into Kenyan communities. 

This major bust in Ukunda is not the first of its kind. Just a few months ago, on September 12, 2024, detectives uncovered a similar operation in Kajiado County, not far from Nairobi. 

Following a tip-off, officers raided a 10-acre piece of land located about 8 kilometers from the Nairobi-Namanga Highway. What they found there was equally shocking. 

Two buildings made of iron sheets were hiding a drug lab in plain sight. One structure contained chemicals and lab equipment. The other was used as a kitchen, sleeping quarters, and chemical storage area. 

In that operation, several people were arrested. These included three Kenyans, two Nigerians, and one Mexican. Authorities believe two more Mexicans are still hiding and possibly linked to the case. 

The DCI suspects that these drug operations are part of a larger international network. This network may stretch across Nigeria, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Gabon. 

The Ukunda and Kajiado cases show just how serious and global the illegal drug business has become. Foreigners are now targeting Kenya as a production and trafficking hub. 

Kenyan authorities have been intensifying their efforts to crack down on drug crimes. They have encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity, especially in rural or isolated areas. 

Many Kenyans have expressed shock and anger at how such activities could be going on quietly in their neighborhoods. The DCI hopes that these arrests will send a strong message to other criminals who think they can operate unnoticed. 

Community leaders in Ukunda have praised the police for their swift action. They say the bust will help protect young people from falling victim to drugs. 

The government continues to urge communities to stay alert and support the fight against narcotics. They believe that with the help of the public, Kenya can stay safe and drug-free. 

As the court case moves forward, all eyes will be on the fate of the Italian suspect and his Kenyan partner. If found guilty, they could face long prison sentences under Kenya’s strict drug laws. 

This story also raises serious questions about how many more such operations might be going on in hidden corners of the country. The DCI has promised not to rest until every illegal lab is shut down.