Kenyan detectives have dismantled major organized crime operations following a week-long nationwide crackdown that led to the seizure of narcotics, counterfeit U.S. currency, and illegal ivory valued in the millions of shillings.

The operation, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through its National Central Bureau (NCB-Nairobi) and Operations Directorate, marked one of the country’s most extensive coordinated crackdowns in recent months. The multiagency effort was conducted under the code name “Usalama XI.”

Regional Crackdown Targets Transnational Criminal Networks

The initiative forms part of a broader regional collaboration under the Eastern and Southern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organizations (EAPCCO) and Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO).

According to the DCI, the goal of the operation was to disrupt and dismantle transnational organized crime rings involved in motor vehicle theft, drug and human trafficking, wildlife crimes, terrorism, mineral smuggling, illicit arms trade, and copper cable theft.

In a statement issued on Friday, the DCI said the multi-agency teams brought together officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and other state enforcement bodies.

“This operation underscores Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and protecting citizens from the devastating effects of organized crime,” the statement read in part.

The DCI added that several suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court as investigations continue.

Fake U.S. Dollars Found in Lang’ata

One of the key successes of the operation took place in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where detectives from the Transnational Organized Crimes Unit (TOCU) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) raided a residence in Royal Park Estate on October 8, 2025.

Inside the home, the officers discovered counterfeit U.S. currency worth $31,700 (approximately Ksh.4 million). The fake notes, believed to be part of an international counterfeiting ring, were found stashed in envelopes and concealed inside household items.

The suspect, Nanji Nabil Taj, 32, was arrested on-site and is being interrogated to establish possible links to a larger syndicate operating between Nairobi and the coast.

Sources within the DCI revealed that the suspect is believed to have previously engaged in fraudulent foreign exchange transactions using counterfeit currency.

“Our investigations indicate that this may not have been an isolated operation. We are following leads that suggest the suspect had accomplices in both Kenya and neighboring countries,” said one investigator.

Drug Bust on the Coast

Meanwhile, along the coastal corridor, detectives intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi, leading to one of the most significant narcotics seizures of the year.

Hidden beneath a layer of sacks, officers uncovered 9½ sacks of cannabis sativa (bhang) weighing approximately 568.85 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh.17 million.

The driver, Shem Horace Obonyo, 38, was arrested at the scene. Authorities believe the truck was part of a larger network ferrying illegal substances from the coast to major towns in Central and Western Kenya.

“This seizure represents a major blow to a trafficking network that has been operating across county borders,” said a DCI official. “The drugs were destined for urban markets, where they would have fueled addiction among the youth.”

The truck and the seized narcotics have been impounded as forensic analysis continues. Obonyo will face charges related to drug trafficking and possession under Kenya’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.

Ivory Smugglers Nabbed in Shalom

The anti-smuggling unit also scored another victory after intercepting two suspects in Shalom area along Mombasa Road in possession of five elephant tusks weighing several kilograms and valued at approximately Ksh.7.8 million.

The suspects were arrested on October 6, 2025, as they attempted to transport the ivory for sale in Nairobi. Detectives believe the tusks were sourced from poaching activities in Tsavo National Park.

They were processed at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters before being transferred to Lang’ata Police Station. Both suspects are expected to face charges for illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife trophies, crimes that carry stiff penalties under Kenya’s wildlife conservation laws.

“This successful seizure sends a clear message to poachers and traffickers: Kenya will not tolerate the exploitation of its natural heritage,” said a KWS spokesperson.

Digital Piracy Network Crushed in Eldoret

In Eldoret, detectives from the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Units dismantled a digital piracy network linked to the illegal distribution of WAKA Internet Streaming and IPTV services.

The suspect, identified as Kelvin Kiplang’at, was apprehended at his residence where officers recovered two mobile phones, 135 advertising flyers, and a WAKA TV pirate control panel.

Through the operation, DCI technicians successfully disconnected 64 unauthorized subscribers who had been illegally accessing premium content without payment.

“The digital economy is a key pillar of Kenya’s growth, but piracy threatens innovation and legitimate business,” noted DCI’s Cyber Unit in a statement. “We are stepping up surveillance to protect creative and digital industries.”

Operation Usalama XI: A Message of Cooperation

The DCI praised the collaboration between regional and local security agencies, noting that the success of Operation Usalama XI demonstrates the value of joint intelligence sharing among EAPCCO member states.

“Transnational crimes do not respect borders. Our collective response through intelligence exchange and joint operations will continue,” said a senior DCI official.

Authorities confirmed that more operations are planned in the coming weeks, targeting criminal cartels involved in drug trafficking, wildlife smuggling, cyber fraud, and counterfeit trade.

The DCI urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities through its toll-free hotline 0800-722-203 or via the official @DCI_Kenya social media handles.

Conclusion

The week-long sweep, described as one of the most successful in 2025, underscores Kenya’s escalating fight against transnational organized crime. With over Ksh.28 million in contraband recovered, the operation not only disrupted criminal enterprises but also sent a strong message about the government’s determination to protect its borders, citizens, and wildlife.

For many Kenyans, the seizures represent hope that continued vigilance and cross-border cooperation could finally cripple the country’s deeply entrenched criminal networks.