Two suspects were arraigned at the Kwale Court on Monday following the discovery of a suspected drug manufacturing facility in Mwabungo, Ukunda.
The court granted investigators 21 days to detain the suspects as further inquiries continue into what officials are calling a significant drug operation along Kenya’s southern coast.
The suspects, identified as Gianardi Giulio, a 37-year-old Italian national, and Moses Nanoka Egadwa, were arrested last week during a raid by a multi-agency security team.
The operation followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Kenya Police.
Authorities say the raid targeted a heavily fortified one-acre property concealed behind high walls in a quiet corner of Mwabungo village. Inside the compound, investigators recovered a range of laboratory equipment, chemical substances and packaging materials bearing the names of known narcotics.
The operation also revealed a section of the premises being used to grow what is believed to be cannabis. In a follow-up scene revisit conducted by a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Government Chemist in Mombasa, additional items were recovered. Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of mature poppy plants, associated with heroin production, as well as coca plants, which are used in the manufacture of cocaine.
Police have not ruled out the possibility that the lab was part of a wider transnational drug network. Investigators are now focusing on tracing supply chains, financial transactions and possible local collaborators.
The National Police Service said in a statement that it remains committed to dismantling drug syndicates and protecting the country from the damaging effects of narcotics. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
