Alarm as Nacada report uncovers synthetic drugs and secret labs in Kenya

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and other dignitaries during the launch of the report./HANDOUT

Kenya is facing a dangerous new drug threat after a groundbreaking Nacada study uncovered synthetic drugs and evidence of secret drug laboratories operating in the country.

The first-of-its-kind wastewater analysis, commissioned by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), revealed the presence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and emerging hard drugs in 12 hotspot counties, raising fears of a fast-changing drug crisis.

The study analysed 152 samples collected from counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret. Researchers confirmed the presence of three NPS — alpha-ethyltryptamine, benzofurans and synthetic cathinones, commonly known as “bath salts”.

The analysis also detected methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and DMT.

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa during the launch of the report. /HANDOUT

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa warned that Kenya is witnessing a worrying shift in drug use patterns.

“This study provides concrete evidence that synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances are gaining a foothold in our communities. The detection of clandestine laboratory activity related to methamphetamine, MDMA and synthetic cathinones is particularly alarming,” Dr Omerikwa said.

“We must move beyond traditional plant-based drug enforcement and urgently establish a National Wastewater Drug Surveillance and Early Warning System to detect and respond to these emerging threats before they escalate further.”

The study further revealed that common street drugs are increasingly being mixed with dangerous chemicals.

Heroin samples were found to contain caffeine, diazepam, chloroquine and dextromethorphan, while cocaine samples were laced with levamisole, ketamine and racemethorphan.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaks during the launch of the report. /HANDOUT

Levamisole, a veterinary drug, has been linked to severe immune suppression.

 Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and other dignitaries during the launch of the report. /HANDOUT

Dr Omerikwa warned that the adulterants significantly increase the risk of overdose and toxicity.

“The presence of adulterants like levamisole and ketamine significantly increases overdose risks and toxicity. We are calling on the Ministry of Health to establish an Adulterant Alert System and scale up naloxone distribution programmes to reduce opioid-related deaths,” he said.

The report also flagged rising cases of poly-drug use, with users mixing heroin with diazepam or cannabis, while others combine alcohol with flunitrazepam, commonly known as Rohypnol.

Naada now wants the Ministry of Health to revise treatment guidelines to address multiple substance abuses instead of focusing on single-drug addiction.

Other recommendations include strengthening forensic investigations at the Government Chemist, tracking precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing and rolling out prevention campaigns targeting universities and nightlife spots.

“The rapid emergence of NPS demands flexible scheduling laws and real-time data integration through the National Drug Observatory,” Dr Omerikwa said.

“Without urgent action, Kenya risks being overwhelmed by a synthetic drug crisis mirroring other regions.”