A three-day nationwide security operation targeting counterfeit products, smuggling and other illicit activities has led to the seizure of suspected contraband worth KSh62.7 million and the arrest of 29 suspects. The multi-agency operation, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with INTERPOL and other agencies, targeted a range of offences, including the distribution of counterfeit goods, illegal alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, falsified medicines, human trafficking and wildlife-related crimes.
Dubbed Usalama XII, the operation was conducted across Nairobi, Central, Coast, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western regions. According to the DCI, officers also checked 198 motor vehicles against INTERPOL databases as part of efforts to identify vehicles linked to criminal activities.
Counterfeit Electronics and Consumer Goods Seized in Nairobi
In Nairobi, detectives recovered suspected counterfeit consumer products, electrical accessories and automotive supplies during targeted raids. The DCI reported that the seizures included 3,991 suspected counterfeit Samsung and iPhone adapters, alongside 1,963 football jerseys and Adidas-branded balls. Other items recovered included beauty products, vehicle spare parts and lubricants suspected of being counterfeit.
Detectives also discovered suspected falsified pharmaceuticals and diverted public medical supplies at an unlicensed clinic in Kayole. The recovery raised concerns about the circulation of potentially unsafe medical products and the unauthorised handling of supplies intended for public healthcare facilities.
Suspected Narcotic Products Seized in Eastleigh
In Eastleigh, officers seized bottles containing products suspected of having narcotic or psychotropic substances from a pharmacy. The products were taken for further analysis to establish their contents and determine whether they violated applicable laws. Authorities have continued to target businesses suspected of distributing prohibited substances and products whose safety or legality cannot be verified.
85 Kenyan Passports Recovered in Westlands
A separate operation in Westlands led to the recovery of 85 Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts from a suspected illegal recruitment agency. According to the DCI, a suspect was arrested over the alleged operation of the unlicensed recruitment business.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the documents and whether the agency was involved in fraudulent recruitment or other offences. The recovery formed part of the wider crackdown on human trafficking and illegal recruitment networks that may expose job seekers to exploitation.
Seven Suspected Trafficking Victims Rescued
The operation also recorded interventions targeting suspected human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In Roysambu, officers rescued three girls suspected of being victims of sexual exploitation. In a separate operation in Gilgil, detectives intercepted four Somali nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking. The group included two minors.
The cases highlight the human trafficking component of the nationwide exercise, which sought to identify suspected offenders and protect vulnerable individuals. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the cases and the people suspected of facilitating the alleged offences.
Suspected Smuggled Cigarettes Worth KSh2 Million Seized in Nakuru
In Nakuru, officers arrested a suspect found transporting approximately 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes. The cigarettes were valued at about KSh2 million, and detectives also recovered counterfeit excise stamps.
The seizure forms part of efforts to combat the illegal cigarette trade, which undermines lawful businesses and may result in lost government revenue through tax evasion. Investigators are expected to establish the source of the consignment and identify any other individuals connected to the suspected smuggling operation.
Crackdown on Illegal Alcohol and Counterfeit Products
Operations in the Central and Nyanza regions also resulted in arrests and the seizure of suspected counterfeit and unmarked alcoholic beverages. Detectives additionally recovered suspected counterfeit mobile phones, storage devices and footwear. The multi-agency exercise targeted products believed to have entered the market through illegal channels or to have been manufactured or distributed in violation of relevant regulations. Counterfeit goods can expose consumers to safety risks, while illicit alcohol and falsified pharmaceuticals may pose additional public health concerns.
DCI Intensifies Efforts Against Illicit Trade
The Usalama XII operation reflects a coordinated approach by Kenyan law enforcement agencies to tackle organised crime, counterfeit trade, smuggling and human trafficking. With 29 suspects arrested, suspected contraband worth KSh62.7 million seized and several suspected trafficking victims rescued, the operation covered both commercial offences and crimes involving the exploitation of vulnerable people.
The DCI said the exercise was conducted across seven regions, with vehicle checks against INTERPOL databases forming part of the investigations. Further investigations will be necessary to establish the full circumstances of the suspected offences and determine the responsibility of those arrested.
