Police Seize 454kg of Suspected Methamphetamine Worth Sh3.6bn in Kwale

Kenyan police have made a significant seizure of 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine worth approximately Sh3.6 billion in Kwale County. The operation, led by the National Anti-Narcotics Bureau (NANB) Coast Region, involved Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies targeting an alleged international drug trafficking network. Three foreign nationals, two Tanzanians and a Ugandan woman, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

The suspects were apprehended following intelligence linking them to a separate seizure of 259 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine in Tanzania. Tanzanian authorities arrested a 45-year-old Tanzanian national, Saleh Khamis, on November 5, 2026, over alleged drug trafficking. Khamis was subsequently handed over to Kenyan police officers at the Lunga Lunga–Horohoro border crossing, facilitating further investigations into the suspected cross-border trafficking network.

The seizure in Kwale is one of the major drug interceptions reported in the Coast region, highlighting concerns over cross-border narcotics trafficking and the movement of illicit substances through the region. Police said the intelligence-led operation culminated in the recovery of 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine. Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the drugs, their intended destination, and whether more individuals are involved in the suspected trafficking network.

The operation involved a multi-agency effort, with Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies working together to disrupt the alleged international drug trafficking network. The National Anti-Narcotics Bureau (NANB) Coast Region led the operation, which resulted in the arrest of the three foreign nationals and the seizure of the suspected methamphetamine.

The suspects, comprising two Tanzanian nationals and a Ugandan woman, are currently in custody as investigations continue. The police have not released their identities, but it is understood that they are being held in connection with the seizure of the suspected methamphetamine. The police are working to determine the extent of their involvement in the suspected trafficking network.

The Sh3.6 billion seizure is a significant blow to the alleged international drug trafficking network operating in the region. The police are working to dismantle the network and bring those responsible to justice. The operation demonstrates the commitment of Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies to combating cross-border narcotics trafficking and disrupting the movement of illicit substances through the region.

The incident highlights the need for continued cooperation and intelligence sharing between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies to combat the threat of cross-border narcotics trafficking. The police are urging the public to provide information that may help in the investigations and the disruption of the suspected trafficking network.

Key points

• The seizure is among the major drug interceptions reported in the Coast region.
• The operation involved a multi-agency effort, with Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies working together.
• Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the drugs, their intended destination, and whether more individuals are involved.