Government Sounds Alarm Over Rising Threat of Synthetic Drugs on World Anti-Drug Day



The government has raised alarm over the growing threat of synthetic drugs, warning that traffickers are adopting sophisticated methods to manufacture and distribute illicit substances within the country.

Speaking during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) 2026 commemorations, Interior permanent secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said Kenya is facing new drug trends, including the emergence of locally manufactured synthetic drugs.

Dr. Omollo noted that while authorities have traditionally focused on cannabis and alcohol abuse, traffickers are now exploiting technology to produce synthetic drugs locally, making detection more difficult.

He cited data from National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which estimates that about 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 use at least one drug or substance of abuse.

"Behind these numbers are broken families, disrupted education, lost economic opportunities, increased crime, mental health challenges and lives trapped in addiction," he said.

The PS warned that the Coast region remains vulnerable to international drug trafficking because of its strategic location, adding that criminal syndicates are increasingly using advanced technology and transnational networks to smuggle illicit drugs.

He revealed that security agencies last year intercepted narcotics worth KSh 8.2 billion, describing it as one of the country's biggest drug seizures.

"We will continue pursuing traffickers, financiers, manufacturers, distributors and everyone who profits from the misery caused by drugs. We will not provide a haven for drug traffickers and their collaborators," he said.

He, however, called on parents, schools, religious institutions, community organizations and the private sector to strengthen prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.


#NACADA  #PSOmollo #IllicitDrugs #IDADA2026  #IndianOcean

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