Two suspects have been arrested in Diani, Kwale County, following the discovery of a clandestine drug manufacturing facility by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a coordinated raid led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and Kenya Police, officers stormed a one-acre compound in Mwabungo Village, Ukunda, uncovering a well-equipped narcotics laboratory believed to have been in operation for an extended period.
The suspects, 37-year-old Italian national Gianardi Giuliano and his Kenyan accomplice Moses Nanoka Egadwa, were arrested at the scene after a period of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering by the security agencies.
During the operation, officers recovered laboratory equipment, an assortment of chemicals used in drug production, and packaging materials bearing labels of known narcotics. Further inspection revealed parts of the compound had been used to cultivate cannabis, suggesting a long-running drug operation.
“The National Police Service remains resolute in dismantling drug networks and safeguarding Kenyan communities from the dangers of narcotics and illegal drug activities,” the DCI stated in a release.
The two suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be formally charged in court in the coming days. Investigations are ongoing to identify any additional accomplices and trace the distribution network linked to the lab.
Written By Rodney Mbua
