Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with INTERPOL, have successfully intercepted a large shipment of methamphetamine in a high-seas operation, resulting in the seizure of over one tonne of the drug and the arrest of six suspects on board a vessel without a flag.

The operation took place on October 21, when the Kenyan Navy intercepted a dhow approximately 340 nautical miles east of Mombasa. The interception was made possible by intelligence shared between the Regional Narcotics Interagency Fusion Cell in Bahrain and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles. The vessel was subsequently escorted to Mombasa, where a multi-agency command centre was established to oversee the operation.

INTERPOL played a crucial role in coordinating the search and ensuring that evidence handling met international standards. The organisation also facilitated cooperation between agencies involved in the operation. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 769 packets of crystal meth, weighing 1,024 kilograms. Laboratory tests conducted by Kenya’s Government Chemist confirmed the drug’s high purity level of 98%, with an estimated street value of approximately KES 8 billion (USD 63 million).

The six crew members on board the vessel were arrested and are currently facing charges related to drug trafficking. Kenya’s Anti-Narcotics Unit has taken over the investigation, which is ongoing. The successful interception highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organised crime.

The operation is a significant achievement for Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, demonstrating their commitment to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and bringing perpetrators to justice. According to INTERPOL, such collaborations are essential in tackling the global issue of drug trafficking, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.