The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with INTERPOL and other law enforcement agencies, has arrested 29 suspects and seized counterfeit and contraband goods valued at more than KSh62.7 million during a three-day nationwide crackdown.
Dubbed Operation Usalama XII, the intelligence-led operation targeted counterfeit products, illicit alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, falsified pharmaceuticals, human trafficking and wildlife-related crimes across seven regions in Kenya, as well as parts of East and Southern Africa.
The operation brought together the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Pharmacy and Poisons Board and other security agencies.
According to the DCI, officers recovered thousands of suspected counterfeit electronics, football jerseys, beauty products, vehicle spare parts and lubricants in Nairobi.
Detectives also seized suspected falsified medicines and diverted public medical supplies from an unlicensed clinic in Kayole.
In Nakuru, officers arrested a suspect transporting 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth approximately KSh2 million and recovered counterfeit excise stamps.
Other teams seized suspected counterfeit and unmarked alcoholic beverages, mobile phones, storage devices and footwear in different regions.
The crackdown also targeted human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
In Westlands, detectives arrested a suspect at an allegedly unlicensed recruitment agency and recovered 85 Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts.
Three girls were rescued from suspected sexual exploitation in Roysambu, while four Somali nationals, including two minors, were intercepted in Gilgil as suspected victims of human trafficking.
The operation also uncovered suspected wildlife crimes, with KWS officers recovering dik-dik carcasses, zebra meat, cedar posts, mangrove rafters and illegal fishing equipment.
In Lake Nakuru National Park, nine suspects were arrested following the recovery of 552.3 kilogrammes of fish.
Other seizures included an illegal fishing boat, fishing nets and hunting equipment.
Meanwhile, officers conducted 198 motor vehicle checks against INTERPOL databases to identify vehicles potentially linked to transnational crime.
The specified verification exercises reported no adverse findings.
The DCI said investigations into the seized goods and arrested suspects were ongoing, including forensic analysis of suspected psychoactive substances and inquiries into illegal recruitment, pharmaceutical offences and illicit alcohol distribution.
The operation underscores efforts by Kenyan and regional law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime, protect consumers and legitimate businesses, rescue vulnerable victims and safeguard wildlife resources.
