The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has addressed claims that some soldiers stole part of the Ksh8.2 billion worth of drugs seized on 25th October 2025, when a multi-agency security team, including KDF personnel, intercepted a dhow off the coast carrying 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine (crystal meth).

In a statement, KDF said there are allegations that some KDF officers who were part of the mission stole part of the narcotics for their personal benefit.

KDF explained that the 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine offloaded from the dhow is intact and secure.

“It has been alleged that during the operation, and as the narcotics were being offloaded for transport ashore, some KDF personnel involved in the mission stole and concealed a portion of the narcotics for personal gain. We wish to clarify that the entire 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine offloaded ashore remains intact and is under continuous, round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency security team,” KDF said.

Also Read: KDF Swings Into Action to Help Kenyans Affected by Bandits

KDF Soldiers Under Investigation

However, KDF said the soldiers are under investigation and will be punished if found guilty of the allegations.

“The suspected KDF personnel are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law,” KDF said.

About the Operation

The Kenya Navy intercepted a non-registered dhow codenamed ‘IGOR’ and seized 1024 kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately 8.2 billion shillings, 630 kilometres East of the Mombasa Coast.

The stateless dhow, which had been under the watch of international drug enforcement agencies, had repeatedly evaded prior crackdowns until its interception by the Kenyan Navy.

In an operation, codenamed BAHARI SAFI 2025.01, conducted under the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) Programme, the Kenya Navy deployed Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) SHUPAVU, which intercepted the stateless vessel engaged in drug trafficking.

Also Read: How Kenya Navy Foiled Ksh8.2 Billion Drug Smuggling Mission in Mombasa

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar, and the Republic of Seychelles, which provided maritime surveillance through Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

KNS SHUPAVU escorted the intercepted vessel and its crew to Mombasa port, where they were handed over to the multi-agency team for further investigations and the prosecution of the six suspects. Court warrants for further inspection and testing have been obtained.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

NPS arrested six foreign individuals with narcotics worth Ksh8.2 billion in Mombasa. PHOTO/NPS X.