Kenyan Authorities Seize Sh8.2 Billion Meth Shipment in Major Mombasa Ocean Bust
A multi agency security operation led by the Kenya Navy has intercepted a stateless vessel in the Indian Ocean and seized more than one tonne of methamphetamine, a consignment authorities estimate to be worth about Sh8.2 billion. Six Iranians nationals on board were detained as investigations continue. The vessel was tracked roughly 630 kilometers east of Mombasa before naval units and partner agencies closed in and escorted it to port, officials said. Preliminary forensic tests on the haul, reported at about 1,024 kilograms, confirmed the substance as methamphetamine, marking one of the largest synthetic drug seizures off Kenya’s coast in recent years.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations leadership and the Kenya Navy Deputy Commander have briefed the press, saying the operation was intelligence led and involved coordinated surveillance and boarding teams. The arrested suspects, reported in several outlets as Iranian nationals, remain in custody while investigators process evidence and work to identify the shipment’s origin and destination network.
Kenya’s coastline has been a recurring transit route for international drug traffickers, and the latest interception underscores growing regional efforts to disrupt maritime trafficking. Officials said the case will be followed by forensic analysis and joint inquiries with international partners to trace the syndicate behind the shipment and to pursue prosecutions where the evidence supports them.
For now, authorities have framed the seizure as a significant blow to traffickers who exploit the western Indian Ocean. Further details on charges, the identities of those arrested, and the full investigative findings are expected to be released as the probe progresses.
