Kenya’s Anti-Narcotics Police Unit is intensifying efforts to uncover the network behind a Sh8.2 billion methamphetamine shipment after seizing seven mobile devices from six Iranian nationals.
The investigators believe the gadgets hold vital information to identify the masterminds of the transnational drug operation.
Court documents filed in Shanzu indicate that the State intends to carry out forensic examinations on the phones belonging to Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi.
The devices include two Redmi phones, a Vocal Vo Core, a Poco, a Realme, a Thuraya satellite phone, and a GPS tracker, model XF-520, serial number 520244E1195. Inspector Shadrack Kemei has requested 30 days to conduct detailed forensic analysis and conclude investigations into the case.
“This court be pleased to issue orders authorising the applicant to detain for purposes of forensic examination electronic gadgets that were recovered during the arrest,” said Inspector Kemei in his affidavit.
He also asked for an order requiring the suspects to provide all unlock codes for the devices to facilitate extraction of relevant data.
The suspects were apprehended after Kenya Navy officers intercepted a “dark vessel” with no identification markings in the Indian Ocean. On October 24, the vessel was escorted to Kilindini Port, where officers acting on a search warrant obtained from Mombasa Law Courts discovered 769 packages of crystalline material weighing 1,035.986 kilograms, suspected to be methamphetamine.
Inspector Kemei explained that the seized substances would be sent to the Government Chemist for laboratory analysis to verify their composition. Investigators believe the mobile phones and satellite communication equipment are crucial in tracing contacts and financial links connected to the drug shipment.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit has also sought permission to detain the six Iranians at the Port Police Station for 30 more days to allow investigators to complete the complex case.
During the suspects’ court appearance, the prosecution asked for time to verify the credentials of an interpreter provided by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), to ensure he can deliver accurate and impartial translation.
State Counsel Anthony Musyoka told Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi that the prosecution had reservations about the interpreter’s competence and required verification before proceedings could continue.
The investigation is expected to reveal the broader network involved in the illegal shipment, potentially leading to more arrests.
