Shanzu Court Extends Detention of Six Iranians in Sh8.2 Billion Meth Case
A Shanzu court has ordered six Iranian nationals to remain in custody for another month pending investigations into a major narcotics seizure valued at Sh8.2 billion.
Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi granted the Anti-Narcotic Police Unit additional time to pursue inquiries into the methamphetamine consignment, citing the scale of the operation and its international links. Prosecution Counsel Anthony Musyoka told the court that the matter involves national security and forms part of wider efforts to dismantle organised crime groups using maritime routes.
The suspects, Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh and Imtiyaz Daryayi, were arrested in late October after the dhow MV Mashallah was intercepted by the Kenya Navy and allied agencies about 630 kilometres off the coast of Mombasa. The vessel, described as stateless and suspected to be connected to a cartel operating along the East African coastline, was escorted to Kilindini Port.
A search uncovered more than a tonne of crystalline methamphetamine concealed in coffee-labelled packaging. Laboratory analysis confirmed the substance to be 98 percent pure. The seizure, weighing over 1,000 kilogrammes, is the second-largest drug bust in Kenya’s history, surpassed only by the 2006 cocaine haul in Nairobi and Malindi.
Authorities believe the shipment was intended for regional distribution, although its exact destination has not been disclosed. Investigators are examining seven electronic devices taken from the suspects, which may contain evidence linking them to financiers and associates in other countries.
The court has directed the men to provide access codes, allowing forensic experts at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to review communications that could reveal the broader network behind the consignment. Inspector Shadrack Kemei told the court that releasing the suspects would compromise the multi-agency investigation, which involves cooperation with international partners.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to decide in January whether charges will be filed against the six. They remain detained at the Port Police Station, with the case scheduled for mention on 12 January.
