Kwale:Mombasa A significant drug bust in Kwale County has revealed 454 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, valued at approximately Sh3.6 billion, intended for distribution in East and Southern African nations. This discovery was made during an intelligence-led operation conducted by a multi-agency team spearheaded by the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB).
According to Kenya News Agency, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin disclosed that the drugs are believed to have originated from Pakistan. Intelligence collaboration between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities led to the arrest of Basleman Saleh Khamis, a suspected drug baron, and Nakabugo Zuraicah, a 37-year-old Ugandan woman, in Shirazi village on November 7. The operation further led to the recovery of the drugs in Ganja la Simba village, Kinondo, and the arrest of a third suspect, Hamad Seif Said, a 54-year-old Tanzanian.
In addition to the drugs, detectives seized two white Ford vehicles and a red TVS motorcycle. The arrested individuals are currently in custody, with investigations ongoing to uncover the extent of the drug network and identify more accomplices. The confiscation was distinguished from a previous seizure of 1,036 kilograms of methamphetamine from the vessel MV Mashaallah, which originated from Iran.
Amin emphasized the government’s commitment to combating narcotics, highlighting the expansion of NANIB with new recruits and stations. Between January and October, NANIB reported the recovery of various narcotics and the arrest of 1,631 suspects. The government is also collaborating with the Asset Recovery Agency to trace the assets of drug financiers and organizers.
Amin reiterated that Kenya is not a transit point or market for drugs, and urged the public to assist law enforcement agencies. He also mentioned the police’s festive season operation plan and preparations for the August 2027 General Election, with training provided to senior commanders at the National Police Leadership Academy.
