Six Iranian nationals charged over the trafficking of methamphetamine, or meth, valued at Sh8.2 billion have formally taken plea at the Shanzu Law Courts.

This marks a key step in a case that has been before the courts since last year.

The six-- Nia Jasem Darzadeh, Jadgal Nadeem Abdulgani, Baloch Hassan, Baloch Imran Mustafa, Baksh Rahim Goharam and Daryayi Imtiyaz, also known as Pamin--appeared before the court after the conclusion of a Miscellaneous Application in which prosecutors had sought custodial orders to allow completion of investigations.

The charges relate to the seizure of 1,036.044 kilogrammes of methamphetamine intercepted in October 2025 during a multi-agency maritime operation in the Indian Ocean.

At the time, security agencies intercepted a stateless dhow off the Kenyan coast and arrested the six suspects onboard.

The drugs were later confirmed by the Government Chemist to be methamphetamine.

The suspects were first presented in court last year, but plea taking was deferred as investigators sought additional time to complete forensic analysis and pursue leads on the origin and intended destination of the narcotics.

On Monday, the court formally read the charges to the accused.

They were subsequently remanded at Shimo La Tewa GK Prison pending the reading of facts, which has been scheduled for January 30, 2026.

The case remains one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Kenya’s history.