LYON, France – INTERPOL has supported Kenyan authorities in a successful maritime operation that led to the seizure of more than one tonne of methamphetamine and the arrest of six suspects aboard a flagless vessel.
On 21 October 2025, the Kenyan Navy intercepted a dhow around 340 nautical miles east off the coast of Mombasa. The operation came after intelligence was shared between the Regional Narcotics Interagency Fusion Cell (RNIFC) in Bahrain, and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles.
Three days later, the vessel was brought to Mombasa, where a multi-agency coordination centre was established under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commander of the Kenyan Navy.
In its advisory and mentoring capacity, INTERPOL played a central role in overseeing search operations and ensuring rigorous crime scene management to support future judicial proceedings. INTERPOL also coordinated operational support from the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), which deployed two officials to help with search operations and communication with crew members.
In total, authorities uncovered 769 packets of a crystal substance weighing 1,024 kg. Forensic analysis by the Government Chemist confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine with a purity level of 98%. Experts in Kenya estimate the seizure to be worth more than KES 8 billion (USD 63 million).
Six crew members were arrested and are facing drug trafficking charges.
Investigations are ongoing under Kenya’s Anti-Narcotics Unit.
This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation and information sharing in addressing maritime drug trafficking and strengthening regional security across the Indian Ocean.
The following national entities were part of the multi-agency coordination centre:
- Kenyan Coast Guard Service (KCGS)
- Kenyan Maritime Authority (KMA)
- Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP)
- Port Health Services (PHS)
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) – Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) / Sensitive Investigations Unit (SIU)
- Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS)
- National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA)
INTERPOL’s support was made possible by the Port Security Project and Project Compass, funded by the European Union and United States respectively.
