Kenya Navy Seizes 1 Tonne of Crystal Meth in Historic Maritime Drug Bust

Kenya Navy intercepts stateless vessel carrying 1,000 kg of crystal meth off Mombasa coast—the largest meth seizure in Kenyan history. Six Iranians arrested as investigations continue. 

Mombasa — In a landmark anti-drug operation, Kenya Navy intelligence, supported by multiple agencies, intercepted a stateless vessel 630 kilometers east of Mombasa on October 24, 2025. The ship, flagged as Mash Allah, was carrying 769 packages of crystal methamphetamine weighing over 1,000 kilograms, with a reported purity of 98%. The estimated street value of the haul is a staggering KSh 8.2 billion ($63 million), making it the largest meth seizure in Kenya’s history.

Six Iranian nationals—Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi—were arrested aboard the vessel and detained at the Mombasa Port Police Station. Authorities also recovered mobile and satellite phones suspected of being used to coordinate with international criminal networks.

The operation received vital support from international partners, including INTERPOL and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), highlighting Kenya’s collaborative efforts against transnational organized crime. On October 27, 2025, the suspects appeared at Shanzu Law Courts, where the Director of Public Prosecutions requested a 30-day police custody extension to complete investigations. The suspects now face severe charges of drug trafficking, carrying possible life sentences upon conviction.

Kenya’s coastal region has seen a worrying rise in synthetic drug abuse, particularly methamphetamine and heroin, among youth. This massive seizure signals not only the scale of the challenge but also the country’s determination to tackle organized crime at its maritime borders. The narcotics remain under tight security at Kilindini Port as investigations continue into the networks behind this record-breaking haul.

Historical Context: Kenya’s Major Drug Trafficking Cases

Kenya has experienced several high-profile drug trafficking busts over the years, although none as large as this latest meth seizure:

• 2019 Mombasa Cocaine Bust: Authorities intercepted a shipment worth KSh 1.5 billion hidden in shipping containers at Kilindini Port. Several foreign nationals were arrested.

• 2016 Malindi Heroin Operation: Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities confiscated over 500 kg of heroin destined for Europe.

• 2014 Changamwe Port Meth Interception: A shipment of 200 kg of methamphetamine was seized from a cargo vessel, marking one of the early large-scale synthetic drug busts in East Africa.

These cases reflect a pattern of Kenya’s coastline and ports being targeted for transnational drug trafficking, and the 2025 seizure underscores ongoing threats from sophisticated criminal networks.

With continued regional and international cooperation, Kenya is steadily strengthening its capacity to combat drug trafficking, safeguarding its ports and coastal communities while sending a strong signal to organized crime syndicates.