Kenyan police have recovered 454 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine valued at approximately KSh3.6 billion in Kwale County following a multi-agency operation that resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals.
The major anti-narcotics operation followed intelligence information that led to the interception of a key suspect in Tanzania on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the suspect was allegedly found in possession of narcotics before Tanzanian authorities handed him over to Kenyan officers at the Lungalunga-Horohoro border crossing.
Following the handover, Kenyan investigators questioned the suspect, who reportedly provided information that directed officers to Shirazi Village in Kingwede Shirazi Location, Msambweni Sub-County.
The investigation subsequently led officers to the residence of a second suspect before the team extended its search to Ganja La Simba Village.
Police Recover 454kg of Suspected Drugs in Kinondo
A further search conducted in Kinondo Location uncovered 454 kilogrammes of suspected narcotics believed to have a street value of approximately KSh3.6 billion.
Officers arrested a third suspect at the scene, bringing the total number of people apprehended in connection with the suspected drug trafficking operation to three.
The multi-agency team also seized two motor vehicles and a motorcycle believed to be linked to the alleged criminal activities.
The recovered substances and vehicles were secured as exhibits as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the suspected trafficking network.
The three suspects remained in custody as police pursued further investigations into the origin, ownership and intended destination of the consignment.
Police Intensify War Against Drug Trafficking
The National Police Service said the operation was part of intensified efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other organised criminal activities.
The crackdown follows directives by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for security agencies to strengthen operations against illegal drugs and other illicit activities.
Kenya’s coastal region has previously featured in major anti-narcotics investigations involving large consignments suspected to have been transported through maritime routes.
Previous KSh8.2 Billion Methamphetamine Seizure in Mombasa
The latest recovery comes after another major anti-narcotics operation involving 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, estimated to be worth approximately KSh8.2 billion.
The drugs were destroyed at Bamburi Cement Factory in Mombasa County on September 24, 2026.
The consignment had reportedly been intercepted by the Kenyan Navy in October 2025 aboard the stateless vessel MV Mashallaah, approximately 630 kilometres offshore.
The interception led to the prosecution of six Iranian nationals, with the investigation involving international law enforcement cooperation, including INTERPOL and United States authorities.
The two major cases highlight the scale of the narcotics trafficking challenge facing Kenyan security agencies, particularly along the Coast.
Investigations Continue
The latest Kwale operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between security agencies across national borders.
With three suspects in custody and the recovered consignment secured as evidence, investigators are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspected trafficking operation.
Police have yet to establish publicly all the details concerning the intended destination of the drugs and the wider network allegedly involved.
The suspects remain subject to the legal process, and the recovered substance should be treated as suspected methamphetamine pending the relevant forensic confirmation and court proceedings.
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