From Kilimanjaro’s Meltwater to Methamphetamine: The Scheme Unveiled

A massive cement tank, initially intended to store water from the thawing glaciers of Kilimanjaro, the fourth highest mountain in the world at 5,895 meters, located in Tanzania, was repurposed for a far more sinister purpose. This water was to supply a methamphetamines laboratory operated by the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Namanga Discovery: A Four-hectare Narco-laboratory

Authorities in Kenya stumbled upon a sprawling four-hectare land parcel near Namanga, a town close to the tanzanian border. The site contained two warehouses constructed from sheet metal and cardboard, powered by solar panels, and stocked with drums, gas tanks, and various chemicals. This discovery marks the first official confirmation of a NARCOLABORATORIO in East Africa, sending shockwaves through the region.

The remote location highlights the cartel’s strategy of exploiting regions with weaker law enforcement presence to establish clandestine operations. This mirrors trends seen in other parts of the world, where cartels seek out ungoverned spaces to minimize the risk of detection.

Key Arrests and International Involvement

The Kenyan department of Criminal Investigations publicized the dismantling of the facility, which had been under surveillance as September 24th. Among those arrested were two Nigerians, three Kenyans involved in procuring the land and chemicals from pharmaceuticals companies, and a key figure: Israel Alvarado Vera, a former member of the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office with direct ties to the cartel.

Alvarado Vera was apprehended at the International Airport of Nairobi as he attempted to return to Mexico after allegedly sharing his expertise in synthetic opioid production, specifically methamphetamine.Kenyan authorities are actively searching for two additional Mexican nationals believed to have collaborated in the operation.

international Condemnation and Consular Assistance

The discovery has triggered international concern, with the United States Department of State issuing a statement condemning the operation. The Mexican Embassy in Kenya also released a statement to its registered citizens, emphasizing the Mexican government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.

Since the beginning of the current administration, the Government of mexico has worked and achieved objectives in security matter.

Mexico embassy in nairobi

The statement highlighted the seizure of significant quantities of firearms, drugs, and fentanyl, as well as the extradition of individuals accused of serious crimes to the United States. While refraining from commenting on the ongoing investigation, the embassy assured that it would provide necessary consular assistance in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

Echoes of Violence: The Cartel’s Expanding Footprint

This incident underscores the growing power and reach of criminal organizations like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The discovery follows closely on the heels of the horrific extermination ranch incident in Teuchitlán,demonstrating the cartel’s capacity for violence and its expanding operational footprint.

The establishment of a methamphetamine lab in East Africa signifies a strategic shift, potentially opening new markets and supply routes for the cartel.This progress poses a significant challenge to international law enforcement efforts and highlights the need for increased cooperation to combat transnational drug trafficking.