The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has extradited an Afghan national wanted in the United States to face charges linked to an alleged international narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearms offences.
In a statement, the DCI said its Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) successfully facilitated the extradition of Abdul Zahir Qadeer, also known as Haji Abdul Zahir, following the completion of legal proceedings in Kenyan courts.
The extradition was carried out on July 9, 2026, after Kenyan authorities approved a request by the United States government seeking Qadeer’s surrender to stand trial.
According to the DCI, the case stems from an arrest warrant issued on March 25, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The warrant relates to allegations of narcotics importation conspiracy as well as possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
An INTERPOL Red Notice was subsequently issued, prompting international efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Kenyan detectives arrested Qadeer in Nairobi on April 15, 2025, shortly after he arrived from Kabul, Afghanistan. The operation was conducted based on the INTERPOL Red Notice and the U.S. arrest warrant.
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— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 11, 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through its Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), has successfully extradited Afghan national Abdul… pic.twitter.com/O2bOyfUIOi
Following his arrest, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) initiated extradition proceedings before the Milimani Law Courts. The court granted custodial orders pending the hearing and determination of the extradition application.
After reviewing the case, the court authorised Qadeer’s extradition in accordance with Kenyan law.
On July 9, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit collected Qadeer from Industrial Area Prison and escorted him to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where he was formally handed over to officials from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) before departing for the United States.
The DCI said the extradition was the result of close collaboration among several agencies, including the DCI, the ODPP, the Judiciary, the DEA and INTERPOL.
Authorities described the operation as a reflection of the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States in combating transnational organised crime.
“The extradition underscores the enduring cooperation between Kenyan and U.S. law enforcement agencies in the fight against cross-border criminal networks,” the DCI said.
The agency added that the case demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, fulfilling its international legal obligations and ensuring that individuals accused of serious offences are subjected to due process through established judicial procedures.
Qadeer is expected to appear before a U.S. court to answer to the charges against him. Under both Kenyan and international legal principles, he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
