Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed the seizure of a massive narcotics consignment valued at Ksh 8 billion following a coordinated maritime security operation in the Indian Ocean.
The methamphetamine, weighing 1,024 kilograms, was discovered aboard a stateless vessel identified as MV Ighol, intercepted about 630 kilometres east of Mombasa.
In a detailed statement shared on X, Murkomen said six Iranian nationals were arrested during the operation and are currently being held in lawful custody as investigations continue.
Preliminary forensic tests showed that the seized drugs had a purity level of 98 percent, indicating a high-grade consignment likely intended for international trafficking networks.
The Interior CS credited the success to a multi-agency task force involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Government Chemist.
The agencies, he said, acted on credible intelligence that led to the interception of the vessel in international waters.
Murkomen described the operation as part of Kenya’s broader efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance maritime and border security, and reinforce partnerships with regional and global allies to combat the production, movement, and financing of illicit substances,” he stated.
He added that Kenya will continue to work with international partners to trace and dismantle the wider network responsible for the shipment.
The Interior Ministry is also enhancing maritime surveillance systems to prevent similar trafficking attempts through the country’s coastal routes.
The seizure marks a major victory for Kenya’s security agencies and underscores the country’s growing role in the global fight against narcotics trafficking, particularly along the increasingly exploited East African maritime corridor.
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