Stacked piles of recovered counterfeit goods and contraband items./ HANDOUTThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has seized suspected counterfeit and contraband goods worth more than Sh62.7 million in a nationwide crackdown.
The crackdown also led to 29 arrests and the rescue of seven suspected victims of human trafficking.
The three-day operation, dubbed Operation Usalama XII, also saw detectives recover 85 Kenyan passports from a recruitment agency suspected of operating without the required licence.
The DCI said the operation targeted illicit trade, suspected trafficking, smuggling and other organised criminal activities across seven regions.
The agency conducted the intelligence-led crackdown with INTERPOL, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
“The three-day operation that was coordinated by the National Central Bureau [NCB] and Director Operations DCI HQs recorded 29 arrests, seizures of suspected counterfeit and contraband goods valued at over KSh 62.7 million, 198 motor vehicle checks against INTERPOL databases, seven suspected victims of trafficking rescued and 85 Kenyan passports recovered from a suspected illegal recruitment agency,” the DCI said.
The operation covered Nairobi, Central, Coast, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western regions, with officers targeting suspected illegal products and activities at various premises.
Suspected fake medicines found in Nairobi
In Nairobi, detectives seized suspected counterfeit consumer goods, including sports merchandise, personal care products and components used in electrical appliances and vehicles.
Investigators also reported finding suspected falsified medicines and diverted public medical supplies at an unlicensed clinic in Kayole.
In Eastleigh, detectives from the National Anti-Narcotic Investigations Bureau (NANIB) seized several bottles of products suspected to contain controlled substances for further analysis.
“Officers also recovered suspected falsified pharmaceuticals and diverted public medical supplies from an unlicensed clinic in Kayole, while NANIB detectives seized several bottles of products suspected to contain narcotic or psychotropic substances from a pharmacy in Eastleigh for further analysis,” the DCI said.
The agency did not disclose the identities of the people linked to the premises or provide details of the subsequent handling of the recovered products.
85 passports recovered from recruitment agency
Investigations into suspected human trafficking and exploitation also led officers to several locations where vulnerable people were believed to be at risk.
Seized passportsThe recovered documents included Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts, according to the DCI.
In Roysambu, officers rescued three girls from suspected sexual exploitation.
A separate operation in Gilgil resulted in the interception of four foreigners suspected to be trafficking victims, including two minors.
The DCI did not provide further details about the identities of those rescued or the arrangements made for their care.
Suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in Nakuru
The crackdown also targeted suspected illicit tobacco and alcoholic beverages, with officers in Nakuru arresting a suspect transporting 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately Sh2 million.
Detectives also recovered counterfeit excise stamps during the operation.
The DCI did not disclose the intended destination of the cigarette consignment or provide further details about the suspect.
Other operations in Central and Nyanza regions targeted suspected counterfeit and unmarked alcoholic beverages.
Investigators also reported recovering suspected counterfeit mobile phones, storage devices and footwear.
INTERPOL databases used in vehicle checks
Beyond the seizures and arrests, officers checked 198 motor vehicles against INTERPOL databases as part of efforts to identify vehicles potentially linked to criminal activity.
The National Central Bureau in Nairobi coordinated the operation alongside the Director of Operations at DCI headquarters.
The DCI said the bureau serves as Kenya’s link to INTERPOL, facilitating international criminal intelligence exchange, investigative assistance and operational support in cases involving suspected transnational organised crime.
The operation brought together specialised units dealing with anti-counterfeit enforcement, narcotics investigations, wildlife crime, human trafficking and child protection, alongside local police and regulatory agencies.
The DCI did not provide a regional breakdown of the value of the seized goods or a separate valuation for each category of products recovered.
It also did not detail the next steps in the individual investigations.
