Detectives recovered 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kwale County.
Kenyan and Tanzanian agencies arrest three suspects as detectives recover 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kwale.
A Kwale drug seizure has netted 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine worth an estimated Sh3.6 billion. Detectives arrested three suspects during the intelligence-led operation involving Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the operation began on November 7, 2026, with the arrest of Basleman Saleh Khamis. Investigators say Kenya and Tanzania both want Khamis over suspected involvement in narcotics trafficking.
Detectives also arrested Nakabugo Zuraicah, a 37-year-old Ugandan woman, during the operation in Shirazi village.
Kwale drug seizure follows cross-border investigation
Further investigations led detectives to Ganja la Simba village in Kinondo, where they searched a targeted location. There, officers recovered the suspected methamphetamine and arrested Hamad Seif Said, a 54-year-old Tanzanian national.
Detectives also seized two vehicles and a motorcycle they believe have links to the suspected trafficking network. These included a white Ford station wagon, registration KDY 626Z, and a white Ford pickup, registration KDZ 201A.
In addition, officers impounded a red TVS motorcycle bearing registration KMGT 230A. Amin said all three suspects remained in custody while investigators pursued further leads.
The inquiry seeks to establish the network’s reach and identify other people involved. Meanwhile, the recovery adds to major narcotics interceptions along Kenya’s coastline.
It comes weeks after authorities destroyed more than one tonne of methamphetamine recovered from an Indian Ocean vessel.
Investigators target drug proceeds and financiers
Beyond drug seizures, the DCI is pursuing convictions and the financial networks supporting trafficking. Amin said investigators were targeting financiers and organisers, alongside people transporting narcotics.
The agency is also working with the Asset Recovery Agency to identify and trace suspected trafficking proceeds. Its targets include cash, vehicles, houses, land and businesses.
In a separate Iten case, a court ordered a convicted trafficker to pay Sh24 million or serve 10 years. The case involved 266.2 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at Sh7.9 million.
Meanwhile, the High Court upheld sentences against three people convicted of trafficking 871.8 kilogrammes of cannabis. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport court convicted them in 2025.
Amin also urged the public to share information with law enforcement agencies. He said community cooperation remained critical to identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks.
