Kenyan authorities have extradited an Afghan national to the United States to face serious narcotics and firearms-related charges, in a case that underscores Nairobi’s expanding cooperation in global crime enforcement.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through its Anti-Narcotics Unit, confirmed that Abdul Zahir Qadeer—also known as Haji Abdul Zahir—was handed over to U.S. authorities on July 9, 2026, following the conclusion of extradition proceedings in Kenyan courts.
In a statement, the agency said the move followed extensive legal and diplomatic coordination.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, through its Anti-Narcotics Unit, has successfully extradited Afghan national Abdul Zahir Qadeer to face charges in the United States relating to an alleged narcotics importation conspiracy and related firearms offences,” the DCI stated.
Qadeer is wanted in the United States over an alleged narcotics importation conspiracy, as well as charges linked to possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
The case is based on a warrant issued on March 25, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, followed by an INTERPOL Red Notice to facilitate his arrest.
Detectives apprehended him in Nairobi on April 15, 2025, shortly after his arrival from Kabul, Afghanistan. Authorities described the arrest as part of a coordinated international operation.
“Acting on the Red Notice and the U.S. arrest warrant, detectives mounted a coordinated operation that led to Qadeer’s arrest in Nairobi,” the statement added.
Following his arrest, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions initiated extradition proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts.
The court granted custodial orders and later authorised his extradition in accordance with Kenyan law.
On July 9, detectives transferred Qadeer from Industrial Area Prison to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he was formally handed over to officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This extradition underscores the enduring partnership between Kenyan and United States law enforcement agencies in combating transnational organised crime,” the DCI noted.