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Indian national arrested in Iten over banned doping substances
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arrested an Indian national on Monday in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, for possession of an illegal consignment of performance-enhancing substances.
What you need to know:
- He had been under investigation since January last year by a joint task force of the DCI, ADAK, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
- Kenya remains one of seven nations listed under Category A by World Athletics, indicating countries with the highest doping risk. Other countries in this category include Belarus, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Bahrain, Morocco, and Nigeria.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arrested an Indian national on Monday in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, for possession of an illegal consignment of performance-enhancing substances.
According to authorities, the raid at the suspect’s premises uncovered a wide array of substances prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Items recovered included human growth hormone (HGH), meldonium, and mannitol—substances often associated with performance enhancement in competitive sports.
Detectives also found intravenous (IV) paraphernalia such as IV bags, syringes, and both used and unused needles, indicating possible doping-related activities.
In a statement, ADAK Acting CEO Peninah Wahome confirmed the incident and emphasised the agency's ongoing efforts to clamp down on doping.
“The report was booked at Iten Police Station and investigations are ongoing to establish a full range of activities including potential networks, clients and any violations of Kenya Anti-Doping law and international Anti-Doping policies, rules and regulations,” Wahome said.
“ADAK remains unrelenting in the fight against doping in sport and continues to gather intelligence and conduct investigations on suspected doping activities around the country. The Agency reiterates its commitment in discharging its mandate. Enforcement of the World Anti-Doping Code and ADAK Anti-Doping Rules shall continue, and the doping menace shall be defeated,” she added.
Meanwhile, detectives also recorded a breakthrough in a separate case involving pharmacist James Cheruiyot Kipsanai, who had been on the run after allegedly administering performance-enhancing drugs. Kipsanai surrendered himself at the Iten Law Courts following a warrant of arrest issued on January 15 for failing to appear in court.
Kipsanai was accused of offering medical services without a valid registration or license and of failing to document the dispensation of controlled drugs like Sustanon, which is used to treat testosterone deficiency in men.
The pharmacist, who previously operated a chemist in Iten before relocating to Kapsoya in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, had evaded arrest last month by escaping through a ceiling during a police raid.
He had been under investigation since January last year by a joint task force of the DCI, ADAK, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
Kenya remains one of seven nations listed under Category A by World Athletics, indicating countries with the highest doping risk. Other countries in this category include Belarus, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Bahrain, Morocco, and Nigeria.