A multi-agency team led by the Kenya Navy has intercepted a vessel carrying methamphetamine valued at Ksh8.2 billion and arrested six Iranian nationals in a major anti-narcotics operation in the Indian Ocean.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the operation took place approximately 630 kilometres off the coast of Mombasa during a routine patrol in the Indian Ocean.
The officers intercepted a dark vessel named Mash Allah and, upon inspection, discovered 769 packages concealed in various compartments.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine weighing 1,024 kilograms.
The suspects have been identified as Jasem Darzadeh, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Bakshi, and Imtiaz Daryayi.
They are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned after processing.
The consignment was transported to Mombasa port under tight security, where the drugs are being held as exhibits. Investigations are ongoing to establish the origin and intended destination of the narcotics.
The DCI described the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s war against transnational organised crime and a demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to secure its maritime borders from international drug cartels.
