Kenya to Burn Sh8 Billion Drug Haul Seized in Indian Ocean Raid

Kenya is set to publicly destroy a massive drug consignment valued at Sh8 billion that was intercepted during a high-stakes operation in the Indian Ocean near the port of Mombasa.

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The methamphetamine haul was seized following a multi-agency raid that resulted in the arrest of two Iranian nationals. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will personally oversee the destruction of the narcotics, marking a significant escalation in the government’s war against international drug trafficking.

Speaking during a church service in Kisumu over the weekend, CS Murkomen emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to combating the illicit drug trade, particularly involving international cartels attempting to use Kenya as a transit route.

“As you saw yesterday, our multi-agency team caught wind of substances which were being ferried by Iranians on our waters,” Murkomen stated, confirming the successful interception operation.

The Cabinet Secretary announced that the 2024 drug consignment will be incinerated in a public ceremony designed to send a stern warning to drug traffickers eyeing Kenya’s borders.

“The government is ready to fight illicit drugs, especially from international drug dealers,” Murkomen declared. “We will set these drugs on fire publicly as a statement to any drug dealers planning to bring drugs into the country.”

The operation represents one of the largest drug busts in Kenya’s coastal region this year and underscores growing concerns about East Africa’s vulnerability to international narcotics trafficking networks. The Indian Ocean route has increasingly become a corridor for drug smugglers targeting African and international markets.

The two Iranian suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details about the operation or whether more arrests are anticipated.

The public destruction ceremony is expected to take place in the coming days, with security agencies coordinating logistics for the high-profile event.

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