Six Iranian nationals were arrested on Saturday evening after the Kenya Navy intercepted a vessel ferrying methamphetamine off the coast of Mombasa, a port city about 485 kilometres southeast of the capital Nairobi.

Security officials said the suspected drug-running boat was stopped during a maritime patrol in the Indian Ocean and escorted to the mainland under heavy guard.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that specialised teams seized hundreds of sealed packs of narcotics concealed inside the vessel.

“Authorities are investigating the origin and destination of the 8.2 billion-Kenyan-shilling ($63.4 million) methamphetamine shipment,” the statement said.

Forensic investigation ongoing

“Investigations are underway to determine the source and intended destination of 769 packages containing a crystalline substance, identified as methamphetamine,” the DCI added.

Officials said initial findings indicate the shipment may be part of a major transnational trafficking route using the Indian Ocean to access East African ports before drugs are smuggled onward.

The suspects are being held in Mombasa as anti-narcotics officers carry out further interrogations and forensic examinations on the cargo.