Six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking narcotic drugs worth over Ksh8 billion were on Monday, October 27, arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts.
In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the court has ordered that the suspects remain in custody until further instructions are issued on Tuesday, October 28.
"The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken decisive legal action against six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking narcotic drugs valued at approximately Ksh8 billion. The six, Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi, were today arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts," the statement read.
It added, "The magistrate ordered the suspects to remain in custody at the Port Police Station pending further directions on Tuesday, 28th October."
According to the ODD, the prosecution team requested additional time to ensure fairness and transparency in the proceedings.
Read More
"Prosecution, led by Joseph Kimanthi, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, and Antony Musyoka, Principal Prosecution Counsel sought more time to verify the credentials of the court interpreter.
"Prosecution also requested the appointment of an independent interpreter to ensure fair proceedings," the statement further read.
The ODPP further indicated that it will be seeking an extended detention period to allow investigators to conclude their investigations.
"The DPP is expected to apply for the suspects’ continued detention for 30 days to allow investigators to complete inquiries into the alleged offences under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994," the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the Ksh8.2 billion synthetic methamphetamine seized in the Indian Ocean will be publicly destroyed.
Speaking on Sunday, October 26, in Kisumu, Murkomen reiterated the government's commitment to the war against drugs, illicit alcohol, and substance abuse.
"Yesterday, you saw that, thanks to the vigilance of our military and police, we intercepted drugs that Iranians were transporting near our waters, worth Ksh8.2 billion.
"They will be taken to court and, soon, you will see us publicly destroy the drugs, because as a nation we have resolved to fight drugs, illicit alcohol and all kinds of things that are destroying the lives of our people," he said.
A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Navy, Anti-Narcotics Unit, Kenya Coast Guard, National Intelligence Service, and NACADA on Saturday, October 25, intercepted a vessel with the drugs during an operation code-named Bahari Safi.
The vessel was intercepted 630 kilometers east of Mombasa in the Indian Ocean and escorted to the port of Mombasa.
The multi-agency team searched the vessel and discovered 769 packages of methamphetamine weighing 1,024 kilograms stacked in sacks.
"Following the interception of a vessel suspected of ferrying drugs, a search and seizure order was obtained yesterday. Consequently, today, 25 October 2025, officers from the National Police Service conducted a search of the vessel and discovered 769 packages of methamphetamine with an estimated value of Ksh8.2 billion," the National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.
During the operation, the six Iranian nationals were arrested and taken into custody, while the consignment was seized and secured as evidence.
The vessel was on the radar of the international community for suspected involvement in drug trafficking before the Kenyan authorities seized it.
