Kenyan authorities have made a significant seizure in Kwale County, recovering 454 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at Sh3.6 billion. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) linked the consignment to Pakistan, with initial investigations indicating the drugs were destined for markets in Eastern Africa and South Africa. This bust is a major breakthrough in the country's anti-narcotics efforts.
The seizure was made possible through intelligence-sharing between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies. The multi-agency raid began on November 7, 2026, after a tip-off led officers to Shirazi village in Kwale County. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the seizure: Basleman Saleh Khamis, a notorious trafficker wanted in both Kenya and Tanzania; Nakabugo Zuraicah, a 37-year-old Ugandan woman; and Hamad Seif Said, a 54-year-old Tanzanian national.
Detectives pursued leads to Ganja la Simba village in Kinondo, where the methamphetamine was hidden. They seized a white Ford station wagon (KDY 626Z), a white Ford pick-up (KDZ 201A), and a red TVS motorcycle (KMGT 230A) believed to be linked to the operation. The vehicles are part of the evidence being used to build a case against the traffickers.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin emphasized that this haul is distinct from a Sh8.2 billion meth seizure from the MV Mashaallah vessel in September, which originated in Iran and had different packaging. Amin credited the intelligence-sharing between Kenya and Tanzania for the breakthrough and assured that investigations will continue beyond the three detainees to identify financiers and organisers of the trafficking network.
The Kwale seizure is part of a broader anti-narcotics drive in the country. The National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau reported seizing 21,005.54 kg of cannabis, 10.23 kg of cocaine, 7.74 kg of heroin, 7.67 kg of methamphetamine, and 4.8 kg of amphetamine between January and October, resulting in 1,631 arrests. The efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to curbing narcotics trafficking.
The DCI's efforts to combat narcotics trafficking have been bolstered by international cooperation. The breakthrough in the Kwale case was made possible through collaboration with Tanzanian authorities. The Kenyan government continues to work with regional and international partners to disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks.
The seizure and arrests demonstrate the government's resolve to tackle the narcotics menace. The investigations will continue to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the trafficking network. The successful bust is a significant step in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Kenya and the region.
Key points
- The seized methamphetamine was valued at Sh3.6 billion and linked to Pakistan.
- Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
- The bust was made possible through intelligence-sharing between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies.
