NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 4- Kenya has strengthened its war against illicit drugs after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) graduated 69 anti-narcotics investigators, a move aimed at boosting the country’s capacity to dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking syndicates and combat organised crime.
The officers completed the Basic Anti-Narcotics Investigation Course at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA) and will now reinforce the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit as the agency intensifies operations against drug cartels..
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said every newly trained investigator strengthens Kenya’s ability to disrupt criminal networks that profit from the illegal drug trade.
“Every investigator we equip through this course strengthens our shield against the networks that seek to flood our communities with illicit drugs. The knowledge and skills you have acquired will be instrumental in protecting lives, upholding justice and safeguarding our nation’s future,” Amin said.
He challenged the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and courage as they take up their new responsibilities, describing the graduation as another milestone in the government’s broader strategy to combat narcotics trafficking.
“This graduation represents another bold step in our national crusade against illicit drugs. Under the leadership of the President, and with the support of the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the Inspector General, we are systematically building an unbreakable wall against those who prey on our youth and undermine our national security,” he said.
The four-week specialised programme equipped the detectives with skills in anti-narcotics investigations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, evidence management, financial investigations and professional ethics.
The training is intended to enhance investigators’ ability to detect, investigate and dismantle increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking operations, including those linked to organised criminal networks.
Director of the DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit, Samuel Laboso, urged the graduates to remain committed to protecting communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs and ensuring traffickers are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, National Criminal Investigations Academy Commandant Ibrahim Jillo said the academy remains focused on producing highly skilled, ethical and professional investigators capable of responding to emerging and evolving security threats.
The graduation comes as Kenyan authorities continue to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, with law enforcement agencies increasingly targeting transnational criminal syndicates involved in the manufacture, transportation and distribution of illicit narcotics.
The DCI said investing in specialised investigative capacity remains central to its strategy of staying ahead of evolving criminal networks and disrupting the illicit drug trade to protect communities and enhance national security.
