Ksh1M cocaine and a sack of bhang: DCI smash Coastal drug ring in Ukunda raid
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)’s war on narcotics has claimed another significant victory at the coast.
In a meticulously planned intelligence-led raid in Ukunda township, a joint team of security agencies pounced on two persons of interest on Friday, February 20, 2026, uncovering a haul of high-value narcotics and suspected stolen merchandise.
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The duo, a 32-year-old and a 38-year-old, both male, are believed to be key players in a criminal syndicate terrorising the coastal region.
“A joint team of security agencies drawn from the coastal region has conducted an intelligence-led operation in Ukunda Township, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected narcotics and stolen property,” DCI said in a statement.
The raid yielded a sophisticated cocktail of illegal substances. Detectives first uncovered 250 grams of a white powder suspected to be cocaine, which carries a staggering street value of Ksh1,000,000.
The search didn’t end there. In a hidden corner of the premises, officers discovered a half-full sack containing rolls of cannabis weighing approximately 35 kilograms. The street value of the bhang is estimated at Ksh1,050,000, bringing the total narcotics recovery to over Ksh2 million.
“The officers also recovered a half-full sack containing rolls of suspected cannabis weighing approximately 35 kilograms, valued at about Kshs 1,050,000. In addition, several mobile phones believed to be stolen property were seized during the operation,” the statement added.
Beyond the drugs, the recovery of several mobile phones has led investigators to believe the duo acted as a hub for local criminal activity. Preliminary DCI findings suggest the duo are integral members of a larger gang operating along the coastline.
“Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to a criminal gang operating along the coastal region. They are currently in lawful custody pending arraignment, while all recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic analysis.”
The two remain in lawful custody and are expected to be arraigned in court early next week. Meanwhile, the narcotics have been secured for forensic analysis to determine their purity and origin.
“The DCI has once again urged the public to use the #FichuaKwaDCI anonymous reporting lines, reminding Kenyans that their identity is protected when reporting such high-level criminal networks,” DIC stated.
Adding that; “Security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle the broader criminal network connected to the suspects, with additional targets already being pursued. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reaffirms its commitment to disrupting drug trafficking and criminal networks, protecting communities across the nation, and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.”
