Authorities are ramping up investigations into a growing drug trafficking network after security officers seized 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at Sh20 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The consignment, which was reportedly en route to Seychelles, has raised major concerns about the re-emergence of Nairobi as a drug transit hub.
The narcotics were discovered on November 7, 2025, inside three African mosaic bags at the FedEx station within the Mitchell Cotts Cargo shed.
According to investigators, the packages had been sent by an unknown sender and were destined for Mahe, Seychelles. Upon inspection, each bag was found to contain two packages of a clear crystal-like substance concealed in black polythene paper.
Officials from the multi-agency security team confirmed that no arrests were made at the time of the seizure, but investigations are ongoing to trace the individuals behind the shipment.
Preliminary intelligence points to a well-coordinated syndicate that could be using Nairobi as a middle point for narcotics transit between Asia and the Indian Ocean islands.
The intercepted cargo, valued at millions, highlights the scale and sophistication of international drug cartels targeting Kenya’s airports and seaports.
The latest seizure comes only weeks after another major drug bust involving Sh8.2 billion worth of narcotics at the Indian Ocean, where six Iranian nationals were apprehended.
The suspects were captured on October 24, 2025, aboard a dark vessel that was intercepted by the Kenya Navy near Kilindini Port. Investigators discovered 769 packages containing crystalline substances believed to be synthetic narcotic drugs, weighing over one tonne.
The suspects were later detained at the Port Police Station following a ruling by Chief Magistrate Antony Muchigi of the Shanzu Magistrate’s Court.In his ruling, the magistrate allowed prosecutors to detain the six for 30 days to enable thorough investigations.
The court also granted permission for the seized substances to be sent to the Government Chemist for analysis and ordered forensic examination of the suspects’ mobile phones at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters.
Prosecutors emphasized that the matter involves serious transnational organized crime and therefore requires extensive collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies.
Investigating officers are pursuing leads to determine whether the two drug hauls are connected. They suspect that both shipments could be part of a broader international network moving narcotics across East Africa’s coastline.
The multi-agency teams, working alongside international partners, are also examining the possibility of insider involvement within cargo handling facilities at JKIA and the Mombasa Port.Kenyan authorities have intensified surveillance at key entry and exit points, including airports and seaports, following a series of recent narcotics interceptions.
Security experts have warned that unless coordinated efforts are sustained, the country risks becoming a key corridor for drug smuggling operations in the region. The government’s focus now is on dismantling these networks and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice, as investigations continue both locally and internationally.
