How DCI Determines ‘Street Value’ Of Seized Drugs
The agency adds that this process is conducted under strict procedural safeguards, often in the presence of relevant parties, and formally documented through a weighing certificate to ensure legal admissibility in court.
By Staff Writer
A standardized valuation framework used by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is increasingly shaping how narcotics cases are investigated and prosecuted in Kenya, with authorities relying on a structured, evidence-based approach to determine the monetary value of seized drugs.
The system, implemented primarily through the Anti-Narcotics Unit, calculates the estimated street value of narcotics based on quantity, drug type, and prevailing illicit market prices. The valuation is a critical component in framing charges, guiding prosecutions, and informing potential penalties under the law.
“The process typically begins with the physical weighing of the recovered substances to establish their quantity (e.g., in grams or kilograms),” the DCI noted in a statement, underscoring the procedural foundation of the valuation system.
The agency adds that this process is conducted under strict procedural safeguards, often in the presence of relevant parties, and formally documented through a weighing certificate to ensure legal admissibility in court.
Authorities then apply intelligence on current street prices, derived from surveillance operations, informant networks, and analysis of recent drug seizures. These figures reflect real-time trends in Kenya’s illicit drug market and provide a benchmark for assessing the economic scale of each consignment.
Forensic verification follows, with samples submitted to the Government Chemist or designated analysts for scientific testing. The analysis confirms the identity, composition, and purity of the substances, ensuring compliance with evidentiary requirements under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
The resulting valuation is routinely cited in DCI press statements, court filings, and media briefings, offering a standardized measure of the magnitude of drug trafficking cases. Officials say the approach improves consistency across investigations while reinforcing transparency and prosecutorial integrity.
DCI says by aligning investigative practices with market realities and scientific verification, the framework strengthens the credibility of narcotics cases and supports more effective enforcement against drug trafficking networks.
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