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

“The Kenya Navy successfully intercepted a vessel of interest codenamed IGOR suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking,” the Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, who is the multi-agency team leader, said.

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.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, the 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, along with its crew, to Mombasa port, where it was handed over to the multi-agency team for further investigations and prosecution of the six suspects. Court warrants for further inspection and testing have been obtained.

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National Police

The National Police Service (NPS) said a search and seizure order was obtained on Saturday, October 25, following the interception of a vessel suspected of ferrying drugs.

NPS said the six arrested individuals are in custody awaiting their arraignment in court, while narcotics have been secured as evidence.

“Consequently, today, 25 October 2025, officers from the National Police Service conducted a search of the vessel and discovered 769 packages of methamphetamine with an estimated value of Ksh8.2 billion,” NPS said.

“Six foreign nationals were arrested and are in custody, pending arraignment in court, while the consignment was seized and secured as evidence.”

NPS commended the officers involved in the operation for their commitment and professionalism.

NPS said it remains committed to working collaboratively with other agencies to combat drug trafficking.

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DCI Statement

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that all six suspects were the six Iranian nationals: Jasem Darzadeh, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Bakshi, and Imtiaz Daryayi.

“All six Iranian nationals are currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of their court appearance. Meanwhile, the seized drugs are securely stored as exhibits. This successful interception marks a major victory in Kenya’s fight against transnational organised crime and reaffirms the government’s resolve to protect its borders from international drug trafficking networks,” DCI said.

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