4 Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs Worth Ksh3.6 Billion in Kwale

A multi-agency team has arrested four suspects and recovered 454 kg of suspected narcotics valued at Ksh3.6 billion in Kwale County. 

In a statement on Sunday, November 8, the National Police Service (NPS) said the operation began after a key suspect was arrested in Tanzania on November 5, 2026, while in possession of suspected narcotics.

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Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Kenyan authorities. 

“The breakthrough began with actionable intelligence regarding a key suspect who was intercepted and arrested in Tanzania on 5 November 2026 while in possession of suspected narcotic drugs. 

“Following the arrest, NPS officers promptly responded at the Lungalunga–Horohoro border point, where Tanzanian authorities formally handed the suspect over to the Kenyan authorities,” NPS said. 

After investigation and interrogation, the suspect led the multi-agency team to Shirazi Village within the Kingwede Shirazi Location in Msambweni, where the trail led to the residential premises of a second accomplice.

Further investigations and tracking subsequently took the multi-agency team to Ganja La Simba Village in Kinondo Location, also within Msambweni Sub-County.

A thorough search of the second location led to the discovery of packages of suspected narcotics weighing 454 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh3.6 billion, and a third suspect was arrested at the scene.

Besides the narcotics, the officers seized two motor vehicles and a motorcycle believed to be connected to the operation.

“The four suspects are currently in lawful custody, while the recovered narcotics and the seized items are secured as exhibits,” NPS said. 

The service commended the Tanzanian authorities for their cooperation during the operation. 

“We commend the multi-agency teams for their meticulous execution of this operation and greatly appreciate the seamless cooperation of our Tanzanian counterparts. The operation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided,” NPS added. 

This comes months after police officers intercepted narcotics valued at over Ksh21 million in a major anti-drug operation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

In a statement on Tuesday, April 28, the Kenya Police Service (KPS) said the seizure involved two separate consignments of methamphetamine that were being smuggled out of the country using deceptive packaging methods.

Authorities revealed that the first consignment was hidden in a highly sophisticated manner to avoid detection during screening processes.

"The first haul of 1,730 grams valued at Ksh13.8 million was cleverly concealed in items declared as car pistons at the airport, having originated from Tanzania and destined for the Philippines," the statement read. 

In a related operation, investigators intercepted a second shipment traced to Juja, also en route to the Philippines.

"In a related operation, a second consignment weighing 1,020 grams and valued at Ksh8 million, traced to Juja, was also intercepted en route to the same destination," the statement concluded.