NAIROBI, Kenya- In one of East Africa’s biggest drug busts in years, a multi-agency operation led by the Kenya Navy has intercepted a vessel in the Indian Ocean carrying methamphetamine valued at over Sh8.2 billion.
Six Iranian nationals were arrested aboard the stateless boat, which was seized some 630 kilometers east of Mombasa.
The dramatic operation, coordinated by the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and NACADA, followed intelligence shared by regional and international partners monitoring the suspicious vessel as it made rounds in the western Indian Ocean.
Kenya Navy Deputy Commander Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa said naval officers moved swiftly once the vessel was confirmed to be carrying illegal cargo.
“We were able to intercept this suspicious vessel about 630 km east of Mombasa and conduct the operation seamlessly. The suspects were arrested, and the vessel was escorted safely to the port of Mombasa,” said Brigadier Kiswaa.
Upon arrival at the port, detectives obtained a court order to search the ship — uncovering 769 packages of crystalline substance weighing 124,253 kilograms, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to DCI Director Mohammed Amin, the street value of the seized narcotics stands at Sh8.2 billion (approximately USD 63 million).
“The next phase of investigations will focus on tracing the drugs’ origin and destination. While it’s too early to confirm, we believe the consignment was intended for distribution within the East African region,” Amin said.
Amin also noted that the stateless vessel and the nationality of its crew — six Iranians — have drawn the attention of international anti-narcotics agencies assisting with the ongoing probe.
The six suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday, as Kenyan authorities widen the dragnet for more individuals connected to the trafficking network.
This major seizure comes barely two weeks after four suspects were arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for allegedly smuggling cocaine through the airport — another sign of intensified crackdowns on global drug syndicates operating in the region.
With methamphetamine worth billions now off the market, investigators believe this latest bust marks a significant blow to one of the most sophisticated drug trafficking routes along Africa’s eastern coastline.
