Also known as: ANU
DCI unit tasked with combating drug trafficking and narcotics crimes, recently strengthened with additional officers and investigative technology.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Anti-Narcotics Unit
Every mention in the Kenyan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
Citizen Digital
… According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) intercepted a vehicle that was allegedly being used to transport the illegal consignment after receiving credible intelligence. …
Two suspects arrested ferrying bhang worth over Ksh.4M in NakuruCapital News
… cluded at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), brought together investigators drawn from key units including the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit (BFIU), the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit (IFIU) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit …
DCI training targets illicit financial flows, criminal networks and asset recoveryCapital News
… The operation, carried out by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), took place at Denluck Apartments at around 7.30pm following what investigators described as “credible intelligence” on suspected narcotics distribution acti …
Serbian, Tanzanian among 4 arrested in Nairobi anti-narcotics raidThe Standard
… The Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) recovered suspected cannabis sativa worth Sh4.2 million after raiding a stash house in Kisumu Ndogo, Kilifi County, arresting Eisha Mzungu Kalama and Jamal Chilumo Chiraga.Officers found two and a half sacks of the suspected drug wrapped in brown kha …
Police arrest six, recover suspected bhangCitizen Digital
… According to police, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit recovered a large cache of narcotics during an operation at an auto spare and garage shop in Ruaka, Nairobi County. …
Two suspected drug peddlers arrested in NairobiCitizen Digital
… The operation was conducted jointly by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and officers from Mombasa County. …
Two arrested in Mombasa as drugs worth Ksh.2.19 million recoveredThe Standard
… In the first case, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Mombasa county arrested two people and recovered narcotics estimated to be worth Sh2.19 million.Acting on intelligence the detectives raided a house in Kwa Hola Village, where they arrested Mwanaisha Abdalla Gona …
Police arrest seven, recover suspected narcotics worth millionsCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya May 9 – Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives in Kilifi County have arrested following the recovery of 150 rolls of bhang from her possession. …
Kilifi Woman Arrested as Detectives Recover 150 Rolls of BhangThe Standard
… In a statement DCI said that its Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) detectives from the coastal region recovered a packet of heroin and two sacks brimming with suspected cannabis sativa in Mwatate. …
Police recover suspected heroin, bhang in three countiesThe Standard
… According to police, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit intercepted a motorcycle at the main entrance of Mutete Flats on Friday following a tip-off. …
Detectives arrest 68-year-old woman, seize suspected narcotics in NairobiThe Standard editorial calls for Kenya to find and punish government officers involved in facilitating the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine. An intelligence report presented to Parliament revealed involvement of rogue airport and immigration staff, as well as officials from multiple agencies, in enabling recruits to leave the country.
13 October 2026 · The Standard →
The Standard editorial calls for Kenya to find and punish government officers involved in facilitating the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine. An intelligence report presented to Parliament revealed involvement of rogue airport and immigration staff, as well as officials from multiple agencies, in enabling recruits to leave the country.
13 October 2026 · The Standard →
President Ruto announced plans to strengthen the DCI's Anti-Narcotics Unit with additional officers, specialised training, and vehicles to curb trafficking of heroin, cocaine and other drugs, particularly along the Coast. An additional 1,000 police vehicles are expected before December, with the Anti-Narcotics Unit among the departments to benefit.
1 October 2026 · The Standard →
A Sh8.2 billion methamphetamine consignment, more than 1,000kg seized during a maritime operation approximately 630 kilometres east of Mombasa in October 2025, has been incinerated under court supervision at Bamburi Cement Factory. Six Iranians stand trial over the seizure, which was intercepted from a stateless dhow during a multi-agency operation.
24 September 2026 · Capital News →
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned drug cartels that proceeds from illicit alcohol and narcotics used to finance political violence are being targeted by security agencies. The government has strengthened the Anti-Narcotics Unit and is cracking down on manufacturers, suppliers, and financiers of illicit drugs and alcohol.
19 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President William Ruto announced plans to expand mental-health and psychosocial support for police officers through Usalama Cover under the Social Health Authority. The government is also implementing a Sh30 billion police modernisation programme, with Sh21 billion already spent on new equipment, training, and digital capabilities.
18 September 2026 · The Standard →
A Shanzu court has found six Iranians accused of trafficking over a tonne of methamphetamine valued at approximately Sh8.2 billion to have a case to answer. The magistrate ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence to require the six accused persons to present their defence under the Criminal Procedure Code.
12 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Police in Busia seized cannabis sativa worth an estimated Sh23.4 million following a public tip-off, uncovering 780.95 kilograms in 15 gunny bags at a residential house in Mabale area. Three suspects were arrested and remain in custody while detectives investigate the source and intended destination of the consignment.
9 August 2026 · Capital News →
Police in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County arrested a suspected drug trafficker and seized cannabis sativa following a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. The arrest is part of an escalating anti-narcotics campaign across Migori County.
3 August 2026 · Capital News →
A 45-year-old man was arrested in Molo after detectives seized cannabis with an estimated street value of Sh1.07 million during a dawn raid. The suspect is being held at Molo Police Station pending investigation and court arraignment.
3 August 2026 · Capital News →
A 29-year-old Taiwanese man was arrested at the Isebania One Stop Border Post in Migori County after a police sniffer dog detected twenty-six heroin capsules weighing approximately 18.26 grams concealed in his luggage as he attempted to enter from Tanzania.
27 July 2026 · Capital News →
Police have seized cannabis worth Sh13.4 million and arrested four suspects in intelligence-led operations across Nandi, Kiambu and Kisii counties as part of the government's anti-narcotics campaign. The coordinated raids uncovered large consignments of cannabis being transported through public and private vehicles, with detectives also recovering cash suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
24 July 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya has extradited Abdul Zahir Qadeer, an Afghan national wanted by US authorities over alleged involvement in international narcotics trafficking and firearms offences. The handover to US Drug Enforcement Administration officials at JKIA followed extradition proceedings in Kenyan courts.
11 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya has extradited Abdul Zahir Qadeer, an Afghan national, to the United States on July 9 following court approval of extradition proceedings. Qadeer was wanted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on allegations of conspiracy to import narcotics into the United States and possession of machine guns and destructive devices; Kenyan authorities arrested him in Nairobi on April 15, 2025.
11 July 2026 · Capital News →
A former Afghanistan Border Force general and First Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan's National Assembly was extradited from Kenya to the USA on Thursday to face charges relating to conspiracy to import narcotics and firearms. Abdul Zahir Qadeer was arrested in April after an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued, and a Nairobi court cleared his extradition.
11 July 2026 · The Standard →
Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Voi Police Station intercepted a trailer transporting 825 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately Sh24.7 million in Voi Township following an intelligence-led operation. Two suspects, the truck driver and an alleged accomplice, were arrested and taken into custody with the vehicle and seized narcotics.
10 July 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya and the United Kingdom have strengthened their partnership against organised crime with the UK National Crime Agency donating advanced investigative equipment to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The technology is expected to bolster the Anti-Narcotics Unit's investigations into drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes.
30 June 2026 · Capital News →
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has closed its case against six Iranian nationals charged with trafficking more than one tonne of methamphetamine worth Sh8.2 billion. The prosecution presented testimony from 12 witnesses at Shanzu Chief Magistrate's Court after the Kenya Navy intercepted a vessel carrying the drugs in October 2025.
27 June 2026 · Capital News →
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has closed its case against six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking more than one tonne of methamphetamine worth over Ksh.8.2 billion before the Shanzu Chief Magistrate's Court, after calling 12 witnesses including the investigating officer from the Anti-Narcotics Unit.
26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has closed its case against six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking more than one tonne of methamphetamine worth Sh8.2 billion, after calling 12 witnesses to the Shanzu Chief Magistrate's Court. The prosecution detailed how Kenyan security agencies intercepted a vessel carrying the narcotics haul on the high seas in October 2025.
26 June 2026 · Capital News →
Police have seized Sh12.1 million worth of cannabis sativa in separate anti-narcotics operations in Mombasa, Kitengela, and Busia, arresting five suspects. The largest haul was in Mombasa, where detectives intercepted a lorry carrying 450 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
20 June 2026 · Capital News →
Police arrested David Wafula and Loise Akoth after intercepting a vehicle on the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway carrying 154 kilograms of cannabis sativa valued at approximately Ksh.4.62 million, following a high-speed chase that ended in the Subukia area.
19 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations has trained specialised detectives from agencies including the Capital Markets Authority, Banking Fraud Investigation Unit, Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit and Anti-Narcotics Unit to trace illicit funds, recover criminal assets and disrupt sophisticated criminal networks. The training focuses on enhancing financial investigations, asset tracing and intelligence analysis to combat money laundering and organised financial crime.
13 June 2026 · Capital News →
Anti-narcotics detectives arrested four suspects, including a Serbian man and a Tanzanian woman, at Denluck Apartments in Nairobi following an intelligence-led operation. Officers recovered suspected cannabis sativa and drug distribution equipment including weighing scales, packaging materials, and other items.
9 June 2026 · Capital News →
Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit arrested five suspects and recovered suspected cannabis sativa worth Sh4.2 million in separate operations across Kilifi, Nyeri, and Nyandarua counties. The seizures included 142 kilogrammes from Kilifi, 18 kilogrammes from Nyeri, and 1,000 grammes plus 850 rolls from Nyandarua.
20 May 2026 · The Standard →
Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Transnational Organised Crime Unit arrested two suspects, Nasiim Abdallah and Trevas Mungai Okoth, at an auto spare shop in Ruaka following a raid that recovered four bales of cannabis sativa, 12 carrier bags of bhang, and 26 zip-lock bags of bhang.
15 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Mombasa County police arrested two suspects in Kwa Hola Village after recovering narcotics including 902 rolls of bhang, three kilograms of skunk, and 300 grammes of heroin with an estimated street value of Ksh.2.19 million from a house being used as a drug distribution point.
14 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
DCI officers arrested seven people across the country in four days and recovered suspected narcotics including cannabis sativa and skunk. In Mombasa, two suspects were arrested and narcotics worth Sh2.19 million were recovered; in Nairobi, a Nigerian national was arrested with narcotics of unknown value.
14 May 2026 · The Standard →
Detectives in Kilifi County arrested a woman following the recovery of 150 rolls of bhang from her residence during a raid. The suspect is in custody pending arraignment, and the narcotics have been secured as evidence.
9 May 2026 · Capital News →
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations' Anti-Narcotics Unit recovered suspected heroin and cannabis sativa in Nairobi, Kitui and Taita Taveta counties, arresting one man in Taita Taveta identified as Charles Mwakala Mngolia, 42, who is suspected to be the mastermind of illicit drug trade. Officers also conducted a raid in Lang'ata, Nairobi, where they recovered seven sacks of suspected cannabis sativa, along with weighing scales and packaging materials from a residential house believed to be used as a storage and distribution point.
8 May 2026 · The Standard →
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested a 68-year-old woman and recovered packages of dry green plant material suspected to be narcotic drugs during an operation in Nairobi. Officers intercepted a motorcycle at Mutete Flats following a tip-off and later extended the operation to a residence where additional suspected narcotics and packaging materials were recovered.
8 May 2026 · The Standard →