Police in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, have arrested an Indian national, Malik Aman, after discovering a variety of pharmaceutical products in his possession. The arrest was carried out by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who had been monitoring Aman for some time. The operation culminated in a raid of his house, where the authorities seized an assortment of products, suspected to be pharmaceutical drugs.
The DCI issued a statement confirming the arrest and detailing the recovery of the drugs, which had been inventoried and taken as evidence. The search, conducted under a warrant granted by an Iten court, was part of an ongoing effort to combat the distribution of illicit drugs and banned substances in the region. Following his arrest, Malik Aman was placed in custody but was later released on cash bail. This decision was made to allow for thorough forensic testing of the seized substances at the government chemist to determine their exact nature and ensure proper handling of the case.
This arrest in Iten follows a recent series of drug-related busts by the DCI. Just days earlier, a woman was apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to board a flight to Goa, India. The woman, identified as Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi, was arrested by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit after a routine check revealed suspicious items in her luggage. Upon further inspection, the detectives discovered two small bags wrapped in yellow cellotape. Inside, they found a white powdery substance that, after a spot test, was confirmed to be 1.3 kilograms of cocaine.
Wanjiku was detained at the JKIA Police Station and is awaiting processing and court proceedings. The narcotics, which were seized during the investigation, are being held as exhibits. The DCI made it clear that Wanjiku’s failed attempt to smuggle drugs was a harsh reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in drug trafficking. Her plans to travel to Goa turned into a legal nightmare, with her detention ensuring that her “holiday” plans were thwarted by the authorities.
These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities to address the problem of drug trafficking and the smuggling of illicit substances into the country. The DCI’s crackdown on drug-related offenses is part of a broader initiative to combat the illegal drug trade, which continues to pose a significant threat to public health and safety. The agency remains vigilant, with continued surveillance and investigations aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks.
The arrest of Malik Aman in Iten is a clear signal of the DCI’s commitment to tackling pharmaceutical trafficking. While the investigation is ongoing, the authorities are determined to ensure that any illegal substances found are properly scrutinized, with appropriate legal action taken based on the results of forensic testing. In the meantime, Malik Aman will remain on bail as the investigation progresses, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks.
These events come at a time when the fight against the illegal drug trade has gained renewed attention, with law enforcement agencies ramping up their efforts to curb the flow of narcotics into and out of Kenya. The DCI’s work in apprehending suspects involved in such activities is a critical part of the broader strategy to protect the public and ensure the country’s borders remain secure from illicit drug trafficking.
