Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with INTERPOL, intercepted a large shipment of methamphetamine in a high‑seas operation, seizing more than one tonne of the drug and arresting six suspects aboard a vessel without a flag. The operation occurred on 21 October when the Kenyan Navy stopped a dhow about 340 nautical miles east of Mombasa. Intelligence shared by the Regional Narcotics Interagency Fusion Cell in Bahrain and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles made the interception possible.
After the seizure, the vessel was escorted to Mombasa, where a multi‑agency command centre was established to oversee the operation. INTERPOL played a crucial role in coordinating the search, ensuring that evidence handling met international standards, and facilitating cooperation among the agencies involved.
Inspection of the dhow revealed 769 packets of crystal meth, weighing 1,024 kilograms. Laboratory tests by Kenya’s Government Chemist confirmed a high purity level of 98 %, with an estimated street value of roughly KES 8 billion (USD 63 million). The six crew members were arrested and are now facing drug‑trafficking charges. Kenya’s Anti‑Narcotics Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation.
The successful interception underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. It marks a significant achievement for Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, demonstrating their commitment to disrupting illicit drug supplies and bringing perpetrators to justice. INTERPOL stresses that such collaborations are essential to address the global threat of drug trafficking, which endangers public health and safety. As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts against drug trafficking and related crimes.
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