Kenya's fight against drug trafficking has taken a significant step forward with the destruction of over 1 tonne of methamphetamine valued at approximately KSh 8.2 billion. The destruction took place at the Bamburi Cement Limited, Mombasa Plant, and was led by Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen. This effort is part of Kenya's continued commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and disrupting criminal networks involved in the movement of illicit drugs through the country's maritime routes.
The methamphetamine consignment was intercepted by Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) 'Shupavu,' approximately 630 kilometres off the Mombasa coast, during Operation 'Bahari Safi,' under the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) programme in October 2025. The interception was conducted following intelligence received from the Regional Coordination Operations Centre. The vessel, 'MV Mashallah' dhow, and six suspects were escorted to Mombasa Port and subsequently handed over to a multi-agency team for investigations and prosecution.
The matter has since been proceeding before the Shanzu Law Courts, where the Chief Magistrate Antony Mwicig issued an order authorising the destruction of the seized narcotic consignment. The dhow remains secured alongside Mkunguni Jetty under the custody of the Kenya Navy. The consignment was destroyed following thorough verification, testing and weighing of the exhibits to establish their identity and exact quantity. Preliminary on-site tests confirmed that the consignment was methamphetamine.
Speaking during the event, CS Murkomen underscored the government's commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and disrupting criminal networks involved in the movement of illicit drugs through Kenya's maritime routes. He highlighted the importance of coordinated action among security and law enforcement agencies in protecting Kenyans from the social and security consequences associated with narcotics trafficking.
The Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, emphasised that the destruction of the narcotics demonstrated the value of multi-agency, regional and international cooperation in addressing transnational maritime crime. He expressed gratitude to regional and international partners, including the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) based in Seychelles and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) based in Madagascar, for their role in the successful interdiction.
The destruction was witnessed by leadership and representatives from various agencies, including Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This exercise demonstrates the government's resolve to ensure that seized narcotics do not find their way back into circulation.
The destruction of the drugs forms part of Kenya's broader efforts to strengthen maritime security and disrupt criminal networks that exploit maritime routes to facilitate the trafficking of illicit substances. Through close collaboration with regional and international partners, Kenya continues to promote information sharing, enhance maritime domain awareness and coordinate responses to emerging security threats at sea.
Key points
- Kenya destroys over 1 tonne of methamphetamine worth KSh 8.2 billion, highlighting efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in the region.
- The interception and destruction demonstrate the value of multi-agency, regional and international cooperation in addressing transnational maritime crime.
- Kenya continues to promote information sharing and enhance maritime domain awareness to combat emerging security threats at sea.
