The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken decisive
legal action against six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking narcotic drugs
valued at approximately Sh8 billion.
The six Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch,
Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi
were on Monday arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts to face charges
related to one of the country’s largest drug trafficking cases in recent years.
The suspects were arrested on October 24, 2025 at Kilindini Port following a coordinated multi-agency operation that resulted in the
seizure of 769 packages of crystalline substances suspected to be synthetic
narcotic drugs.
The haul, weighing 1,035.986 kilograms, has an estimated
street value of Sh8 billion.
According to investigators, the operation was launched after
the Kenya Navy shared intelligence about a suspicious “dark vessel” operating
in the Indian Ocean without proper identification or communication signals.
The vessel was intercepted at the port, where a thorough
inspection led to the recovery of the contraband cargo and the arrest of the
six suspects, all of Iranian nationality.
During their court appearance, the prosecution sought
additional time to verify the credentials of the court interpreter, emphasizing
the need to ensure accurate and fair communication throughout the proceedings.
The prosecution further requested the appointment of an
independent interpreter to guarantee fairness and transparency, given the
international nature of the case and the language barrier between the suspects
and court officials.
In addition, the DPP is expected to file an application
seeking the continued detention of the suspects for a period of 30 days. This request
aims to allow investigators sufficient time to complete their inquiries into
the alleged offences, which fall under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994.
In addition, the DPP is expected to file an application
seeking the continued detention of the suspects for a period of 30 days.
This request aims to allow investigators sufficient time to
complete their inquiries into the alleged offences, which fall under Section
4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994.
The prosecution argued that the magnitude of the case, the
complexity of the investigation, and the cross-border elements involved require
a careful and comprehensive probe before any formal charges are confirmed.
After considering the prosecution’s request, the magistrate
ordered that the suspects remain in custody at the Port Police Station pending
further directions and a ruling on the matter scheduled for Tuesday, October
28.
The case continues to draw significant public and
institutional attention as authorities intensify efforts to curb international
drug trafficking networks operating along Kenya’s coastline.
