Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, has pledged robust measures following a significant narcotics bust off the Mombasa coast.

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration released a press statement announcing the seizure of 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately Ksh8 billion, from a stateless vessel identified as MV Ighol.

He assured that the government will continue working with international partners to dismantle drug cartels.

“We will work in collaboration with other international partners to trace and disrupt the wider criminal network associated with this seizure. Further, we are progressively heightening our multi-agency security coordination framework and the vigilance of our maritime surveillance systems,” read the press statement in part.

The operation, conducted 630 kilometres east of Mombasa, marks a major milestone in Kenya’s fight against transnational organised crime.

“We wish to inform the general public and our international partners that we have seized a major narcotics consignment weighing a total of 1,024 kilograms, estimated to have a street value of approximately Ksh8 billion.”

Multi-agency operation

The multi-agency effort, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with support from the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Government Chemist, intercepted the vessel after receiving actionable intelligence.

Six Iranian nationals aboard the dhow were arrested and remain in lawful custody, awaiting arraignment following preliminary investigations. Initial tests confirmed the methamphetamine’s 98 percent purity, with further forensic analysis and documentation underway.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) provided additional details, revealing that the non-registered dhow, codenamed IGOR, had been under surveillance by international drug enforcement agencies.

The vessel had evaded previous crackdowns until its interception on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, confirmed the operation, codenamed BAHARI SAFI 2025.01, was executed under the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) Programme.

The Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) SHUPAVU successfully intercepted the vessel with support from the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar, and the Seychelles government aerial surveillance via Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

Following the interception, the Navy escorted the dhow to the Port of Mombasa, where it was handed over to a multi-agency team led by the National Police Service (NPS) for detailed inspection.

Murkomen’s pledge

Authorities discovered 769 packages of crystalline methamphetamine concealed within the vessel’s compartments, representing one of the largest narcotics seizures in Kenya’s history. The DCI has initiated investigations to trace the drugs’ origin and intended destination.

Murkomen emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing maritime surveillance systems and strengthening inter-agency cooperation. “We are progressively heightening our multi-agency security coordination framework and the vigilance of our maritime surveillance systems,” he said.

He added, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance maritime and border security, and reinforce partnerships with regional and global allies to combat the production, movement, and financing of illicit substances.”

The six suspects will be arraigned once investigations are complete.”During the operation, six Iranian nationals aboard the vessel were arrested and remain in lawful custody.”