By Grace Gilo
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has handed over a significant consignment of narcotic drugs to Tanzanian authorities, following a request for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) submitted by the Tanzanian government.
This transfer is part of ongoing criminal proceedings against two suspects, Mohammed Yusuph Mzimba and Enrique Dos Santos.
The seizure occurred on November 9, 2020, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where a suspicious shipment originating from Tanzania and en route to the Netherlands was intercepted.
“Upon inspection, 56 packages containing powdery substances disguised as hair braids were recovered. The powdery substances were subsequently tested and analyzed by the Government Analyst and confirmed to be 1,712.34 grams of heroin, a prohibited substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994,” stated the DCI.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the ANU Director 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.
Mr. Ibrahim Jillo, Director of Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB), highlighted the challenges posed by criminal networks that exploit jurisdictional gaps and bureaucratic delays, underscoring the need for strong and coordinated collaborations among nations.
Mr. Augustine Kitonyi, Director of Legal Services, emphasized the importance of bolstered cooperation across various areas of transnational crime, extending beyond narcotics enforcement.
Representing the Tanzanian government, Mr. Isaac Isanzu, an official from the Tanzanian High Commission, commended the DCI for its vigilance and professionalism, noting that this handover symbolizes the strengthening bilateral ties between Kenya and Tanzania in addressing the global issue of illicit drug trafficking.
“The Anti-Narcotics Unit continues to work closely with regional and international partners through intelligence sharing, enhanced border controls, and other efforts to ensure traffickers are arrested and brought to justice,” the DCI reiterated.
Also present during the handover ceremony were Tanzania’s Anti-Narcotics Director, Mr. Israel Makongo, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) representative, Mr. Elisante Masaki.