Kenya Deals Major Blow to Drug Cartels, Seizes Sh8.2 Billion Meth Haul from Iranian Vessel
MOMBASA, Kenya – In a historic maritime operation, Kenyan security forces have intercepted a stateless ship in the Indian Ocean, seizing over one tonne of high-purity methamphetamine and arresting six Iranian nationals.
The multi-agency security team, led by the Kenya Navy, captured the vessel, identified as MV Mashallah, approximately 630 kilometres east of Mombasa. The four-day operation, dubbed “Operation Bahari Safi” (Clean Seas), also involved the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Coast Guard Service, and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), with support from international intelligence partners.
According to DCI Director Mohamed Amin, a court order was obtained to detain and thoroughly search the unflagged vessel. The inspection uncovered 769 packages of a crystalline substance.
“Preliminary tests conducted by government chemists confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine,” Amin stated. The total haul weighed approximately 1,024 kilograms (over one ton) and was found to be 98% pure. Authorities estimate its street value at a staggering Sh8.2 billion (approximately $63 million).
“This is a huge success in our fight against drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime in the region and across the continent,” Director Amin declared, highlighting the significant blow dealt to transnational criminal networks.
Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, credited the success to seamless coordination between Kenyan agencies and international partners who provided crucial intelligence.
“The ship had been under the radar of the international community, suspected of engaging in illicit activities, particularly narcotics trafficking in the western Indian Ocean,” Brigadier Kiswaa explained. He praised the operation as a strong message to drug traffickers attempting to use Kenyan waters.
The six Iranian crew members are currently detained in Mombasa and are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise origin and intended destination of the massive drug consignment.
While it is too early to confirm the final destination, officials confirmed that detectives are working with international agencies to trace and dismantle the entire trafficking network behind this shipment. The seizure marks one of the largest narcotics busts in Kenya’s history, underscoring the nation’s intensified efforts to combat the flow of synthetic drugs from Asia and the Middle East.
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