The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has arraigned six Iranian nationals at the Shanzu Law Courts over allegations of trafficking narcotic drugs valued at approximately Sh8 billion, in what is considered one of Kenya’s largest drug seizures in recent years.
The accused; Jasem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi were arrested on October 24, 2024, during a high-level multi-agency operation at Kilindini Port. Acting on intelligence shared by the Kenya Navy regarding a suspicious “dark vessel” operating in the Indian Ocean without proper identification, authorities intercepted the vessel and seized 769 packages of crystalline substances suspected to be synthetic narcotic drugs, weighing 1,035.986 kilograms.
Prosecutors told the court that the seized cargo had an estimated street value of Sh8 billion and was destined for international markets. The six suspects were immediately detained for questioning as investigations into their alleged transnational trafficking network began.
During the court session, the prosecution team led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joseph Kimanthi and Principal Prosecution Counsel Antony Musyoka — requested additional time to verify the credentials of the interpreter facilitating communication with the accused. They also sought the appointment of an independent interpreter to ensure transparency and fairness in the proceedings.
