Shanzu Magistrate’s Court has approved the continued detention of six Iranian nationals at the centre of a high-profile drug trafficking investigation until 12th January 2026.
Chief Magistrate Antony Muchigi granted the DPP’s application after prosecutors said the case, involving narcotics worth over Sh8 billion, remains complex and requires extensive forensic and international investigations.
“The scale of the operation, the nature of the seized substances, and the suspected international networks involved necessitate additional time to complete the inquiry,” said the investigating officer.
The six suspects were arrested on October 24, 2025, aboard a dark vessel intercepted by the Kenya Navy at Kilindini Port. Authorities seized 769 packages of crystalline material weighing 1,035.986 kilograms, believed to be synthetic narcotics.
They are being investigated for trafficking in narcotic drugs under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994.
The court also reaffirmed orders allowing investigators to send the seized drugs to the Government Chemist for analysis and examine the suspects’ mobile phones at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Prosecutors emphasised that the case touches on national security and is part of wider efforts to tackle transnational organised crime.
The suspects will remain in custody at the Port Police Station as investigations continue. A final decision on whether they will face formal charges is expected when they appear in court on 12th January 2026.
Authorities said the investigation highlights the complexity of international drug syndicates, where evidence gathering involves multiple countries and sophisticated forensic work.
“This is not just about prosecuting individuals but about safeguarding national security and dismantling organised crime networks operating across borders,” the investigating officer added.
