Court allows 30-day detention of Iranian crew in Sh8bn drugs case

Six(6) Iranian nationals arrested in a major narcotics bust will remain in custody for 30 days as investigators continue their probe into what is believed to be a transnational drug trafficking operation.

The decision was handed down by Chief Magistrate Antony Muchigi at the Shanzu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) applied for extended detention.

The suspects will be held at the Port Police Station pending further directions.

According to the court, investigators are now authorised to forward the seized substances to the Government Chemist for detailed analysis and to submit the suspects’ mobile phones for forensic examination at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters.

The six--identified as Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh and Imtiyaz Daryayi--were first presented in court on Monday.

They were arrested on October 25, 2025, at the Kilindini Port following a coordinated multi-agency operation after a “dark vessel” was intercepted by the Kenya Navy some 630 kilometres east of Mombasa.

A total of 769 packages, weighing approximately 1,035.986 kg, of crystalline substances suspected to be synthetic narcotics (methamphetamine) were recovered--with an estimated street value of Sh8.2 billion.

On Monday, prosecutors informed the court that the investigation remains ongoing, pointing to the complexity of the case which involves offshore operations, international shipping, and potentially multiple jurisdictions.

During the session, the prosecution raised concerns over the credibility of the interpreter provided for the foreign suspects, requesting that an independent translator be appointed to ensure fair proceedings. The court took note of the request and scheduled the matter for mention on Tuesday to allow further direction.

Prosecutors also emphasized that given the magnitude and value of the drug seizure, along with the possible international links, the suspects’ continued detention is necessary to preserve evidence and to trace the chain of command behind the shipment.

The magistrate agreed and ordered that the suspects stay in custody as investigators complete forensic and intelligence work.

The operation, code-named “Operation Bahari Safi” according to official sources, underscores growing concern by Kenyan authorities about maritime routes being used for high-value synthetic drug smuggling.

Interior Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the consignment will be publicly destroyed once formal charges are complete, as part of the government’s commitment to combating illicit drugs.

The suspects’ matter will be mentioned again on November 14, 2025, when the court will receive updates on the forensic results and investigations.

Until then, the Iranian crew remains under police guard.

The phones and the substance seized remain under forensic examination.