NAIROBI, Kenya – Six Iranian nationals were on Thursday arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts over allegations of trafficking narcotic drugs worth about Sh8 billion, following a major seizure at the Port of Mombasa.
The suspects — Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi — were arrested on October 24, 2025, during a multi-agency operation at Kilindini Port.
Authorities say the team intercepted 769 packages of crystalline substances, suspected to be synthetic narcotic drugs, weighing more than 1,035 kilograms.
The operation was reportedly triggered by intelligence from the Kenya Navy, which had flagged a suspicious “dark vessel” operating in the Indian Ocean without identification markings.
The ship was tracked to Mombasa, where its cargo was offloaded and examined.
DPP arraigns six Iranians over Sh8 billion drug trafficking caseThe Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken decisive legal action against six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking narcotic drugs valued at approximately Sh8 billion.The six, Jasem Darzadeh Nia,
During Thursday’s proceedings, prosecutors requested the court to appoint an independent interpreter and sought more time to verify the credentials of the one present in court, citing the need for fairness and accuracy in translation.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) told the court that investigators are still gathering crucial evidence and will apply for the suspects’ continued detention for 30 days to complete investigations under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994.
The magistrate ordered that the six be remanded at the Port Police Station until October 28, when further directions on the case will be issued.
If convicted, the suspects could face life imprisonment and fines amounting to three times the market value of the seized drugs.
