The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally arraigned six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking synthetic narcotic drugs worth an estimated Sh8 billion.
The suspects, Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi, appeared before Shanzu Law Courts on Monday.
The arrests followed a major operation at Kilindini Port on 24th October 2025, where authorities seized 769 packages of crystalline substances weighing 1,035.986 kilograms.
The Kenya Navy had earlier alerted law enforcement to a “dark vessel” operating in the Indian Ocean without identification, prompting a coordinated multi-agency response.
During the hearing, the prosecution requested additional time to verify the qualifications of the court interpreter.
They also proposed the appointment of an independent interpreter to safeguard the suspects’ right to a fair trial.
The DPP plans to seek a 30-day extension for the suspects’ detention to allow investigators to complete inquiries under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994.
The magistrate ordered that the accused remain in custody at the Port Police Station, with the next hearing set for Tuesday, 28th October.
Officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to curb international drug trafficking into Kenya.
The case has drawn public attention to Kenya’s maritime security and the challenges posed by transnational crime syndicates.
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