The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has handed over a heroin consignment seized at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Tanzanian authorities.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 10, DCI said it handed over the consignment following a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request from the Tanzanian government.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), has handed over a consignment of narcotic drugs that were seized at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Tanzanian authorities.
“The handover follows a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request submitted by the Tanzanian government,” read part of the statement.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the ANU Director Samwel Laboso reaffirmed the DCI’s commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
“He emphasized that narcotics not only destroy lives and communities but also fuel organized crime, which undermines economic stability and security across the region,” said the DCI.
Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) Director Ibrahim Jillo noted that criminal networks exploit jurisdictional gaps, geographical challenges, and bureaucratic delays to further their illegal trade, hence the need for strong, consistent, and structured collaborations.
Isaac Isanzu, an official from the Tanzanian High Commission, commended the DCI for its vigilance and professionalism.
“He noted that the gesture reflects the deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations in combating the global challenge of illicit drug trafficking,” DCI stated.
Tanzania’s Anti-Narcotics Director, Israel Makongo, and a representative from the ODPP, Elisante Masaki, were also present during the handover.
The heroin consignment, which is linked to Mohammed Yusuph Mzimba and Enrique Dos Santos, was intercepted at JKIA on November 9, 2020.
The suspicious consignment, which originated from Tanzania, was in transit to the Netherlands.
DCI detectives who inspected the consignment discovered 56 packages containing powdery substances disguised as hair braids.
The powdery substances were then tested and analyzed by the Government Analyst and confirmed to be 1,712.34 grams of heroin.
The handover comes months after Anti-Narcotics detectives arrested Ali Bakari Ali with heroin worth approximately Ksh1.8 million.
The suspect was nabbed after detectives raided his residence in the Kikambala area in Mombasa.
A swift search of the premises led to the discovery of a blue carrier bag stashed under a mattress containing six tightly wrapped packages of heroin weighing a total of 600 grams.
The suspect was taken to the Port Police Station before he was arraigned and charged with drug trafficking.
