The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 29 suspects and seized suspected counterfeit and contraband goods valued at more than Ksh 62.7 million following a three-day nationwide crackdown targeting illicit trade, human trafficking and other organised crimes.
In a statement posted on its X account on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the DCI said the operation, dubbed Operation Usalama XII, also resulted in the rescue of seven suspected victims of human trafficking and the recovery of 85 Kenyan passports from a suspected illegal recruitment agency.
Detectives recover 85 Kenyan passports, rescue seven suspected trafficking victims in three-day multi-agency operation.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted in collaboration with INTERPOL and several law enforcement and regulatory agencies across Nairobi, Central, Coast, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western regions.
The crackdown targeted counterfeit goods, illicit alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, falsified pharmaceuticals, self-care products, human trafficking and wildlife-related offences.
Counterfeit electronics, medicines seized
In Nairobi, detectives recovered thousands of suspected counterfeit consumer products, including 3,991 Samsung and iPhone adapters, 1,963 football jerseys and Adidas-branded balls, alongside beauty products, automotive spare parts and lubricants.
Officers also discovered suspected falsified pharmaceuticals and diverted public medical supplies at an unlicensed clinic in Kayole.
Separately, detectives from the National Anti-Narcotic Investigations Bureau (NANIB) seized several bottles of products suspected to contain narcotic or psychotropic substances from a pharmacy in Eastleigh. The products were taken for further analysis.
85 passports recovered from recruitment agency
The operation also targeted suspected human trafficking and exploitation networks.
In Westlands, detectives arrested a suspect at a recruitment agency allegedly operating without the required licence. Officers recovered 85 Kenyan passports, work visas and employment contracts during the operation.
In Roysambu, three girls were rescued from suspected sexual exploitation.
Another operation in Gilgil led to the interception of four Somali nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking, including two minors.
The DCI did not provide further details about the identities of the suspects or the circumstances under which the suspected victims were recruited.
Suspected smuggled cigarettes intercepted in Nakuru
In Nakuru, officers arrested a suspect found transporting 90,000 sticks of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately Ksh 2 million.
Detectives also recovered counterfeit excise stamps, which are used to indicate the payment of applicable taxes on regulated products.
Other operations in Central and Nyanza regions resulted in arrests and seizures of counterfeit and unmarked alcoholic beverages.
Officers also recovered suspected counterfeit mobile phones, storage devices and footwear as authorities intensified efforts to disrupt the distribution of illicit goods.
INTERPOL, KRA among agencies involved
Operation Usalama XII brought together the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU), Pharmacy and Poisons Board, INTERPOL and local police units, among other agencies.
The operation was coordinated by the National Central Bureau (NCB) and the Director of Operations at DCI headquarters.
According to the DCI, officers also checked 198 motor vehicles against INTERPOL databases as part of efforts to identify vehicles potentially linked to criminal activities.
The latest operation forms part of multi-agency enforcement efforts targeting organised criminal networks, illicit trade and the exploitation of vulnerable people across the country.
