Kenyan Authorities Seize Sh8 Billion Methamphetamine Shipment in High-Seas Operation

 

 Kenyan security agencies have seized a massive consignment of methamphetamine worth an estimated KES 8 billion following a high-seas operation targeting an international narcotics syndicate.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration confirmed that the multi-agency team intercepted a stateless vessel, MV Ighol, approximately 630 kilometres east of Mombasa. The operation followed actionable intelligence that led to the discovery of 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine, which initial tests revealed to be 98 percent pure.

According to the ministry, six Iranian nationals aboard the vessel were arrested and are currently in lawful custody. They are being interrogated and will be arraigned in court once preliminary investigations are completed. The seized narcotics are undergoing further forensic analysis and documentation.

Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, said the successful operation underscores Kenya’s commitment to dismantling transnational organised crime networks.

“This decisive intervention, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and supported by the Kenya Navy, the Coast Guard Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and other partner agencies, demonstrates our determination to combat narcotics trafficking, terrorism financing, and illicit financial flows,” said Murkomen.

He added that the government is working closely with international partners to trace and disrupt the wider criminal network behind the shipment.

The Interior Ministry also announced plans to enhance maritime and border surveillance systems, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and deepen collaboration with regional and global allies in the fight against drug trafficking and related transnational crimes.

The seizure marks one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Kenya’s history, coming amid renewed government efforts to tighten maritime security and curb the country’s use as a trafficking route for drugs destined for international markets.