The operation unfolded during a routine patrol approximately 630 kilometres off the coast of Mombasa, when the Kenya Navy set its sights on the vessel, reportedly named 'Mash Allah' and codenamed 'IGOR'. On board were six Iranian nationals: Jasem Darzadeh, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Bakshi, and Imtiaz Daryayi.
A thorough search of the vessel revealed 769 packages concealed in various compartments. Laboratory tests confirmed the contents to be 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Authorities say the interception marks a major victory in Kenya's fight against transnational organised crime.
'The Kenya Navy successfully intercepted a vessel of interest suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking,' said Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy and leader of the multi-agency team.
"This operation showcases the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating transnational crimes within the Western Indian Ocean."
The stateless dhow had reportedly been under surveillance by international drug enforcement agencies and had previously evaded multiple crackdowns. Its interception was part of Operation Bahari Safi 2025.01, conducted under the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) Programme.
The operation also involved coordinated support from the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar, and maritime surveillance assistance from Seychelles.
After the vessel was escorted to Mombasa port by the Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) SHUPAVU, the six suspects were handed over to a multi-agency team for further investigations and legal processing. Court warrants have been obtained for additional inspection and testing of the seized narcotics, which are now secured as exhibits.
The coastal city of Mombasa has, in recent years, faced rising challenges from narcotics entering through its ports. A 2016 baseline survey by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) revealed Mombasa had some of the highest rates of substance dependency among coastal counties, including alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, heroin, and cocaine. The city also has a significant number of injecting drug users.
While this latest seizure is a significant achievement, questions remain about who is orchestrating such high-value consignments and the networks behind them.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
