When law enforcement personnel arrest individuals and confiscate narcotic substances, the subsequent step involves determining their monetary worth, which significantly impacts the legal proceedings against the accused.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), via its Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), employs a systematic and evidence-based methodology to estimate the street value of impounded drugs.
According to the DCI, the procedure commences with the physical measurement of the recovered materials to ascertain their quantity, expressed in either grams or kilograms.
Throughout this procedure, the presence of witnesses ensures transparency and compliance with legal protocols.
Subsequently, the estimated value is computed based on the current street value or market rate of the particular drug within Kenya’s illicit markets.
This intelligence-informed figure represents current pricing per gram or per kilogram, derived from continuous surveillance of the illegal drug trade, recent confiscations, and informant intelligence.
Forensic examination by the Government Chemist or an authorized analyst follows to verify the drug type, identity, and purity level.
The scientific verification aims to guarantee precision and satisfy evidentiary standards under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Under Kenya’s narcotics legislation, this valuation may affect the severity of charges and penalties, as courts can factor in the market value of the substances when determining sentences.
This organized approach not only bolsters investigations and prosecutions but also aids in demonstrating the extent of the illegal drug trade to the public.
Meanwhile, on Friday, April 3, the DCI was compelled to provide the clarification amid increasing public scrutiny.
The concerns emerged after the detectives declared an enhanced nationwide campaign against drug trafficking networks, where large quantities with substantial street values were confiscated.