DCI warns drug abuse is new face of terrorism as clandestine labs emerge
The DCI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious structures that may be used as drug laboratories.
The Director of Anti-Narcotics at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Samuel Laboso has issued a stark warning, describing drug abuse as a new form of terrorism capable of decimating an entire generation.
Speaking at a drug and substance use prevention summit, Laboso raised concerns over the rise of clandestine drug laboratories set up by traffickers, including those linked to powerful criminal organisations.
More To Read
"Drug abuse is no longer just a social problem — it is an act of terrorism against our youth. It has the power to wipe out an entire generation," Laboso said.
DCI investigators have uncovered illegal drug production facilities in the country manufacturing highly potent synthetic drugs. This alarming trend indicates that traffickers are not only smuggling narcotics but also producing them locally.
"We are discovering laboratories run by drug traffickers, some backed by major organisations, that are manufacturing highly potent synthetic substances like MDMA (ecstasy), fentanyl, methamphetamine (crystal meth), and carfentanil — one of the deadliest opioids ever known," Laboso said.
Officials warn that synthetic drugs, previously found in other parts of the world, are now infiltrating Kenya, posing a severe public health and security threat.
"We are seeing an influx of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, crystal meth, and carfentanil in our institutions, facilitated by active distribution networks. These drugs are more potent, more addictive, and more lethal than ever before," Laboso said.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, has been responsible for thousands of overdose deaths worldwide. Carfentanil, originally developed as a tranquillizer for large animals, is so potent that even a few micrograms can be fatal to humans. Methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, is a powerful stimulant that devastates users physically and mentally.
Report suspicious structures
The DCI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious structures that may be used as drug laboratories.
"If you see anything unusual — a hidden facility, strange activities, or people handling unknown substances — report it immediately. These laboratories are fuelling a crisis, and we need the public's help to dismantle them,” authorities urged.
The fight against drug abuse is being intensified through a demand-suppression strategy targeting both supply networks and local peddlers.
"We are committed to shutting down these illegal operations. The public must understand that every illegal drug lab we dismantle prevents another tragedy," Laboso said.
With synthetic drugs gaining ground and clandestine labs becoming more sophisticated, authorities are calling for a united front in the battle against narcotics. The DCI is urging Kenyans to use the toll-free hotline to report drug-related activities and ensure the safety of communities.
Carfentanil, protonitazene, and isotonitazene are among the new synthetic opioids exacerbating the opioid crisis. These highly potent and inexpensive fentanyl analogs have permeated the drug market, significantly increasing the risk of overdoses and fatalities
Synthetic drugs, commonly referred to as designer or club drugs, are chemically manufactured substances designed to mimic the effects of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Unlike their natural counterparts, synthetic drugs are often more dangerous due to their unpredictable chemical compositions.
Many of these substances are produced in East Asia and trafficked globally. Some synthetic drugs remain technically legal, but efforts are underway to ban them due to their harmful effects. The two most common types are synthetic stimulants (e.g., bath salts) and synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Spice and K2).
Challenges in combating synthetic drugs include unregulated Ingredients. Many synthetic drugs contain toxic chemicals, including rat poison, making it difficult to predict their effects.
A recent report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) revealed that at least 46 per cent of university students in Kenya have abused at least one drug or substance in their lifetime, while 26.6 per cent are actively abusing them. This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and intervention.
Top Stories Today
