Police in Nairobi have arrested several persons of interest and seized a range of suspected narcotics following a targeted security operation in the Laini area of Kibra.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement shared via X on Monday, June 8, 2026, said the operation, carried out by officers from Kibra Police Station acting on intelligence reports, was aimed at dismantling an alleged drug distribution network operating within the informal settlement.

According to police, the raid led to the recovery of assorted suspected narcotics and drug-related paraphernalia believed to be linked to ongoing illicit drug activity in the area.

Items confiscated during the operation included assorted liquid substances suspected to be drugs, unidentified tablets, multiple rolls of cannabis sativa (bhang), syringes and needles, alcohol swabs, cotton wool, and other related materials such as packets of candles.

“Police officers in Nairobi have dealt a major blow to illicit drug networks following a successful tactical operation in the Laini area of Kibra. Acting on actionable intelligence, a team of undercover officers from Kibra Police Station conducted a sting operation, resulting in the arrest of key suspects,” the NPS stated.

“During the operation, the officers also recovered a significant consignment of assorted narcotics and other items, including syringes and needles, assorted liquid drugs and unidentified tablets, “Moody” tablets, multiple rolls of cannabis sativa (bhang), alcohol swabs, cotton wool, and packets of candles.”

Police confirmed that the individuals arrested during the operation are being held in custody as investigations continue. Authorities say the persons of interest are believed to be connected to the distribution and facilitation of drug use in the area.

Exhibits secured

The seized exhibits have been secured at the station’s exhibit storage facility as part of ongoing forensic and investigative procedures.

Law enforcement officials described the operation as part of a broader intelligence-led crackdown targeting narcotics networks across Nairobi’s informal settlements, where drug abuse remains a persistent concern.

The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to intensifying such operations, emphasizing collaboration with members of the public to report suspected drug trafficking activities.

“All arrested suspects were escorted to the station and placed in custody pending further police processing and arraignment in court. The confiscated narcotics have also been securely kept in the station’s exhibits room. The National Police Service will intensify such intelligence-led crackdowns against illegal drug networks countrywide,” the statement read.

Residents have been urged to continue sharing information through official police channels, including emergency hotlines and anonymous reporting platforms, as authorities step up efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs in urban neighbourhoods.

Investigations into the seized substances and the suspected network are ongoing, with police indicating that further arrests may follow.

War against narcotics

The fight against narcotics trafficking and transnational organised crime recently received a major boost after the government of the Republic of Türkiye handed over computers and office equipment to the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU).

The equipment handed over during a ceremony held at the DCI headquarters was officially received by the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, alongside senior DCI officers.

Leading the Turkish delegation was the Türkiye ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yüksel, accompanied by the counsellor for security and interior affairs, Ibrahim Cildir, and the coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Kenan Yigit.

Speaking during the handover on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Amin hailed the donation as a timely and strategic boost that will strengthen the ANU’s investigative capability, intelligence management, and operational coordination in the ongoing crackdown on narcotics networks.