Detectives uncover secret narcotics lab in secluded compound in Ukunda

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.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said a team from the Anti-Narcotics Police Unit and Kenya Police carried out a well-coordinated raid on a secluded one-acre compound after days of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The raid resulted in the arrest of two individuals, Gianardi Giulio, a 37-year-old Italian national, and a Kenyan national, Moses Nanoka Egadwa.

“Hidden behind tall walls and a heavily guarded gate, the location turned out to be more than it appeared. The team recovered lab equipment and chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of drugs, as well as packaging materials clearly marked with names of known narcotics. Further searches revealed sections of the compound being used to cultivate what is believed to be cannabis, adding to the growing list of evidence pointing to long-term illegal activity,” the statement said.

“The suspects are now in custody and awaiting formal charges in court. The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks and keeping Kenyan communities safe from the harmful effects of narcotics and the illegal drug trade.”