Kenyan Navy Seizes Sh8.2 Billion Meth Shipment, Arrests Six Iranians

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOMBASA: Kenyan security forces have seized a consignment of synthetic methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion aboard a stateless vessel off the country’s coast, marking one of the largest narcotics interceptions in recent years.

Kenya Navy Deputy Commander Brigadier Sankale Kisua said the vessel, named Mashallah, was intercepted about 630 kilometers east of Mombasa during a four-day intelligence-led operation dubbed Operation Bahari Safi.

Six Iranian nationals aboard the vessel were detained and escorted to Mombasa, where the ship was searched by a multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).

Authorities discovered 1,024 kilograms of crystalline methamphetamine packed in 769 sacks. Preliminary tests conducted by the Government Chemist confirmed the substance to be 98 percent pure methamphetamine.

“This is a major success for Kenyan security teams and their regional partners,” Brigadier Kisua said, crediting intelligence cooperation from neighboring states for the interception.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the vessel, which carried no flag or registration documents, had been under international surveillance for suspected drug trafficking in the Western Indian Ocean. He added that investigations were underway to trace the shipment’s origin and intended destination.

“This operation demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime and safeguarding maritime security,” Amin said.

The six Iranian suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.