Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working with INTERPOL and several Kenyan agencies, have arrested 29 suspects and seized suspected counterfeit and contraband goods valued at more than KSh 62.7 million. The three-day intelligence-led operation, code-named Usalama XII, covered Nairobi, Central, Coast, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western regions.
The exercise, coordinated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Nairobi and the DCI Director of Operations, targeted counterfeit products, illicit alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, falsified pharmaceuticals, human trafficking and wildlife offences. Participating agencies included the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the Transnational Organised Crime Unit and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit.
Key Outcomes of the Operation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrests | 29 suspects |
| Value of seized goods | Over KSh 62.7 million |
| Trafficking victims rescued | 7 (including minors) |
| Passports recovered | 85 Kenyan passports from unlicensed agency |
| Vehicles screened | 198 checked against INTERPOL database (no hits) |
Counterfeit Goods and Smuggled Products
In Nairobi, officers recovered 3,991 suspected counterfeit Samsung and iPhone adapters, 1,963 football jerseys and Adidas-branded balls, beauty products, vehicle spare parts and lubricants. In Nakuru, a suspect was arrested while transporting 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately KSh 2 million, together with counterfeit KRA excise stamps.
Additional seizures in the Central and Nyanza regions included unmarked alcoholic beverages, counterfeit mobile phones, storage devices and footwear. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority and brand representatives participated in the identification of the goods.
Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Substances
Detectives raided an unlicensed clinic in Kayole, Nairobi, and recovered suspected falsified pharmaceuticals and medical supplies believed to have been diverted from public facilities. In Eastleigh, officers from the National Anti-Narcotic Investigations Bureau seized several bottles of products suspected to contain narcotic or psychotropic substances for laboratory analysis.
Human Trafficking and Illegal Recruitment
Three underage girls were rescued from a suspected sexual exploitation case in Roysambu, Nairobi. In a separate operation in Gilgil, Nakuru County, four Somali nationals, including two minors, were intercepted and are being treated as suspected trafficking victims. In Westlands, officers raided an unregistered employment agency and recovered 85 Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts. Investigations into the agency’s activities are ongoing.
Wildlife and Environmental Offences
A Kenya Wildlife Service-led component recovered wildlife products and illegal fishing equipment. These included 37.5 kilogrammes of dik-dik carcasses in Tana River, approximately 40 kilogrammes of dik-dik carcasses at Kuranze Ranch, 4 kilogrammes of zebra meat in Tsavo East, 1,500 cedar posts in Narok and 75 mangrove rafters in Malindi. At Lake Nakuru National Park, officers seized 552.3 kilogrammes of fish, an illegal fishing boat, nets and hunting implements, and arrested nine suspects.
Current Status
All 29 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The DCI has said forensic analysis of the suspected substances, verification of the counterfeit goods, and further inquiries into the recruitment agency, trafficking cases and pharmaceutical offences are still underway. No adverse findings were recorded from the 198 vehicle checks conducted against INTERPOL databases.
The operation demonstrates continued multi-agency coordination against organised illicit trade and cross-border crime, with results now subject to further laboratory testing and court processes.
Sources:
DCI Kenya official statement on Operation Usalama XII (15 October 2026)
People Daily – DCI arrests 29, seizes Ksh62.7M in contraband
Kenyans.co.ke – 85 Passports Recovered, 7 Trafficking Victims Rescued
The Eastleigh Voice – 29 arrested as DCI-led operation nets suspected contraband
The Star – DCI seizes Sh62.7 million in suspected counterfeit goods
This article is based on the official DCI statement and contemporaneous media reports. Investigations remain ongoing.