Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have uncovered a drugs laboratory in Mwabungo village, Ukunda within Kwale County.
In a statement on Monday August 4, 2025, DCI noted that they uncovered a secret narcotics lab tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Mwabungo village, Ukunda — a place more often associated with serene beaches than crime.
“What seemed like a peaceful corner of Kenya’s beautiful coastline turned out to be the unexpected site of a major drug bust,” read part of DCI statement.
“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 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 bhang, adding to the growing list of evidence pointing to long-term illegal activity.
The suspects are now in custody and awaiting formal charges in court.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks and keeping Kenyan communities safe from the harmful effects of narcotics and the illegal drug trade.
