Kenya has taken centre stage in the global fight against pharmaceutical crimes with the opening of the Organised Crime and Case Coordination Workshop on Combating Pharmaceutical Crimes for Eastern and Southern Africa at Two Rivers, Nairobi.
The Director of the National Central Bureau (NCB) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Ibrahim Jillo, on behalf of the Director DCI, underscored the growing threat posed by pharmaceutical crimes and the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement to dismantle the organised criminal networks behind it.
He said agencies must continue to collaborate to address the emerging threats in the sector.
Bringing together select law enforcement officers from various INTERPOL member countries, the workshop is organised under the framework of INTERPOL’s Illicit Goods and Global Health Program.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in safeguarding public health, protecting supply chains, and fortifying regional and global responses to illicit pharmaceutical trade.
“Our National Central Bureau has long prioritised addressing pharmaceutical crimes, working alongside INTERPOL to dismantle networks that traffic illicit goods across borders.”
“Events like this build on past successes, including global operations that have resulted in significant seizures and arrests. They remind us that no single country can effectively combat these threats alone,” Jillo said.
The discussions kicked off with a detailed presentation on Operation Pangea XVII, highlighting global achievements and regional contributions, before transitioning into a pre-operational briefing for Operation Pangea XVIII, with a specific focus on Eastern and Southern Africa.
The sessions were further enriched by invaluable insights from key partners, including AFRIPOL, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), REACT, the World Customs Organisation (WCO), private sector representatives, Roche, and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Participants are expected to deepen their collaboration, refine case coordination mechanisms, and strengthen joint operational preparedness, sending a clear message that the region stands united and resolute in its commitment to combating pharmaceutical crimes and protecting the health and safety of communities.
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