Kenyan police have seized 454 kilograms of methamphetamine worth an estimated $27 million. The operation took place in Kwale County, near the country’s Indian Ocean coast.
The Kenya drug seizure followed a joint investigation involving Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities. Police also arrested four suspects from across East Africa.
According to Africanews, the operation highlights growing concerns about drug trafficking networks operating across the region.
Kenya drug seizure follows cross-border investigation
Police discovered the drugs in Msambweni, a coastal area in Kwale County.
The investigation began after Tanzanian authorities arrested a suspect last week. The suspect was later transferred to Kenya and helped investigators locate the drugs, according to police.
Authorities also linked the suspect to an earlier seizure in Tanzania. That operation involved 250 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine.
However, police have not released full details about the suspected trafficking network.
Four suspects arrested in Kenya drug raid
Officers arrested three additional suspects during the operation. They included two Tanzanian nationals and one Ugandan.
Together with the first suspect, four people remain in police custody. They are expected to appear in court.
Police also seized two vehicles and a motorcycle believed to be connected to the operation.
Meanwhile, investigators are examining the suspects’ possible links to other drug shipments.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the suspects have not been convicted.
East Africa faces growing drug trafficking concerns
The Kenya drug seizure comes amid wider efforts to stop illegal drug shipments along East Africa’s coastline.
Last month, Kenyan authorities destroyed more than one tonne of methamphetamine. The country’s navy had intercepted the shipment off Mombasa the previous year.
In addition, Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has described illegal drugs and alcohol abuse as major national threats.
He has called for tougher laws and stronger enforcement to address the problem.
The Institute for Security Studies has also warned about East Africa’s growing role in international drug trafficking.
According to the institute, the region is increasingly used as both a transit route and a destination for illegal drugs.
Police continue investigation
Kenyan authorities say their investigation into the latest seizure remains active.
Officers are working to establish the origin of the drugs and identify other possible suspects.
For now, the seizure marks another major operation against suspected cross-border drug trafficking in East Africa.