DCI uncovers heroin and cocaine plants in Diani
By Mustafa Juma, August 5, 2025A multi-agency security team has uncovered what appears to be a sophisticated drug farm in Mwabungo, Diani, believed to be cultivating plants used in the production of hard drugs.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a statement shared via social media on Monday, August 4, 2025, confirmed that during a revisit to the scene, officers from specialised DCI units, the Kenya Police Service, and experts from the Government Chemist – Mombasa recovered mature poppy plants and coca plants.
Poppy plants are typically used in the production of heroin, while coca is the raw material for cocaine.
“Today, the suspects were arraigned before the Kwale Court, where the prosecution sought custodial orders. The court granted a 21-day custodial period to allow for further investigations. In a parallel operation, a multi-agency team comprising officers from specialised units of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Police Service, and experts from the Government Chemist – Mombasa, revisited the scene at Mwabungo area,” the DCI statement read in part.
“During the exercise, additional items were recovered. Preliminary analysis confirmed the presence of suspected mature poppy plants, believed to be used in the manufacture of heroin, as well as coca plants, which are commonly associated with the production of cocaine.”
The operation follows the arraignment of several persons of interest in a Kwale court earlier on Monday, August 4, 2025. The prosecution successfully sought 21 days of custodial detention to allow further investigations.
Earlier raid
A team from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Kenya Police had on Sunday, August 3, 2025, carried out a well-coordinated raid on a secluded one-acre compound.
Hidden behind tall walls and a heavily guarded gate, the location, the DCI said, turned out to be more than it appeared.
“What seemed like a peaceful corner of Kenya’s beautiful coastline turned out to be the unexpected site of a major drug bust. Detectives have uncovered a secret narcotics lab tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood of Mwabungo village, Ukunda—a place more often associated with serene beaches than crime,” a statement shared by the DCI on Monday morning read in part.
“After days of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering, a team from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Kenya Police carried out a well-coordinated raid on a secluded one-acre compound. Hidden behind tall walls and a heavily guarded gate, the location turned out to be more than it appeared.”
Inside, officers arrested two individuals: Gianardi Giulio, a 37-year-old Italian national, and Moses Nanoka Egadwa.
The team also recovered lab equipment and chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of drugs, as well as packaging materials clearly marked with the names of known narcotics.