Amanze Chinonye
Kenyan authorities on Thursday destroyed a methamphetamine consignment valued at about KSh8.2 billion ($63.4 million), removing a high-value shipment from an illicit supply chain operating through the Indian Ocean, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The 1,036-kg consignment, seized nearly a year ago, was destroyed at the Bamburi Cement factory in Mombasa under the supervision of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. The exercise involved the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Interpol and other law-enforcement agencies.
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The seizure highlights the economic stakes involved in securing Kenya’s maritime routes, which serve as a major gateway for legitimate cargo moving into and out of East Africa. Authorities have increased surveillance and enforcement along the Indian Ocean coast as they seek to prevent criminal networks from using the region’s maritime infrastructure for trafficking.
The Kenya Navy intercepted the vessel on Oct. 20, 2025, about 630 km east of the Kenyan coast, following intelligence about suspicious maritime activity. The vessel, initially identified as Igor and later referred to in court as Mashaallah, was described by prosecutors as unregistered and stateless.
Investigators recovered 769 packets containing a white crystalline substance concealed in compartments aboard the vessel. A preliminary field test indicated methamphetamine, while subsequent government forensic analysis confirmed the substance. Another test was conducted at the destruction site before the exercise began.
The operation involved regional maritime-security coordination, including the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles, reflecting the cross-border nature of the trafficking route and the cooperation required to disrupt it.
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The consignment is at the centre of a trafficking case involving six Iranian nationals – Jaseem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Hassan Baloch, Raheem Baksh, Imran Baloch and Imtiyaz Daryay. Prosecutors allege that the men trafficked 1,036.044 kg of methamphetamine between Oct. 17 and Oct. 20, 2025. They have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody.
The prosecution has called 12 witnesses, after which Shanzu Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi ruled that the six accused had a case to answer. The defendants have since been allowed to enter their defence.
The destruction removes the seized consignment from the illicit market while the criminal proceedings continue. The allegations against the six defendants remain subject to the court’s final determination.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
