6 Iranians prosecuted in Kenyan court over $63M meth trafficking case

NAIROBI, Kenya

Six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking narcotic drugs worth approximately 8 billion shillings (approximately $63 million) were brought before the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa, a coastal city in southeastern Kenya, on Monday, following a major methamphetamine seizure off the coast.

According to a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the suspects, Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi, were arrested at Kilindini Port following a multi-agency operation led by the Kenya Navy intelligence on a suspicious "dark vessel" in the Indian Ocean.

Authorities seized 769 packages of crystal methamphetamine totaling 1,035.986 kilograms.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the court that "investigations are underway to determine the source and intended destination of 769 packages containing a crystalline substance, identified as methamphetamine."

Prosecutors requested time to verify the court interpreter's credentials, as well as the appointment of an independent interpreter to ensure the trial’s fairness.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions stated that it "is expected to apply for the suspects' continued detention for 30 days to allow investigators to complete their investigations into offenses."

The magistrate ordered the six to remain in custody at the Port Police Station pending further orders, which will be issued on Tuesday.