NAIROBI: Kenyan authorities have seized 454 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth approximately $27 million (Sh3.6 billion) in a major anti-narcotics operation in the coastal county of Kwale, with preliminary investigations pointing to Pakistan as the shipment’s country of origin.
Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin confirmed the development on November 9, saying intelligence gathered by investigators suggested that the consignment was intended for distribution across parts of East Africa and Southern Africa.
The seizure followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by a multi-agency security team, supported by information sharing between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities.
According to Kenyan investigators, three suspects were arrested during the operation on November 7. They include Basleman Saleh Khamis, a suspected drug trafficker wanted in both Kenya and Tanzania, a 37-year-old Ugandan woman identified as Nakabugo Zuraicah, and a 54-year-old Tanzanian national, Hamad Seif Said.
The operation initially led detectives to Shirazi village in Kwale County. Further investigations directed officers to Ganja La Simba village in Kinondo, where they discovered the suspected narcotics and arrested the third suspect.
Security personnel also confiscated two white Ford vehicles and a red TVS motorcycle believed to be connected to the suspected trafficking operation.
Amin said investigators were continuing to establish the full extent of the suspected network, including its supply routes, financial backers and other individuals potentially involved.
Pakistan Link Under Investigation
The preliminary findings identifying Pakistan as the suspected origin of the shipment have drawn attention to the international dimensions of the trafficking investigation.
However, Kenyan authorities have not publicly established the specific route through which the consignment entered the country or identified those responsible for arranging its transportation.
The DCI also clarified that the latest seizure was unrelated to an earlier major methamphetamine interception involving the vessel MV Mashallah.
According to Amin, the two cases involve separate trafficking networks and different countries of origin. While the earlier shipment was traced to Iran, preliminary findings indicate that the latest consignment originated from Pakistan. Investigators cited differences in packaging, labelling and the nationalities of individuals involved.
Kenya Intensifies Anti-Drug Operations
The latest seizure comes amid intensified efforts by Kenyan authorities to dismantle international narcotics trafficking networks operating through the region.
Between January and October 2026, Kenyan authorities reported significant narcotics recoveries, including more than 21,000 kilograms of cannabis, alongside cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. A total of 1,631 suspects were arrested in connection with narcotics-related cases during the same period.
Amin said investigators were also working with the Asset Recovery Agency to identify and trace financial assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking, including cash, vehicles, properties and businesses.
Authorities have emphasised that the investigation will extend beyond the individuals directly involved in transporting narcotics to those financing and organising the operations.
The three suspects arrested in the Kwale operation remain in custody as investigations continue.
Kenyan authorities say regional intelligence sharing and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies remain central to efforts to disrupt cross-border drug trafficking and prevent the country from becoming a transit point for illicit narcotics.
