Shanzu, Kenya — A Shanzu court has granted an extension for the detention of six Iranian nationals, accused of involvement in a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network.
The suspects, who were arrested last month, will remain in custody for an additional 21 days to allow authorities to complete their investigation.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested the detention extension, arguing that the extra time is crucial for pursuing vital investigative leads and securing justice in what authorities have described as a complex international drug operation.
The six Iranians — Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi — were arrested in October after being intercepted in the Indian Ocean, allegedly transporting methamphetamine worth Ksh. 8.2 billion.
The drugs, believed to be synthetic narcotics, were found hidden in 769 packages weighing a total of 1,035.986 kilograms.
The prosecution argues that the six suspects are part of a well-organized drug cartel using maritime routes to smuggle synthetic drugs into East Africa.
Investigators have uncovered significant evidence during the operation, including seven electronic devices, such as GPS trackers and mobile phones, which are believed to contain crucial intelligence.
The devices are expected to shed light on the origin of the drugs, the trafficking routes used, and the financial backers behind the operation.
The DPP emphasized that releasing the suspects before the investigation is completed could jeopardize the multi-agency operation, which involves international cooperation and sensitive digital evidence.
The prosecution also expressed concerns that premature release could interfere with the cross-border linkages being investigated.
During the case’s previous hearing, the court ordered that the seized narcotics be sent to the Government Chemist for analysis and that the suspects’ mobile phones undergo forensic examination at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspects are facing charges under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act of 1994, specifically for trafficking in narcotic drugs. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as they unravel the full scope of the drug trafficking syndicate.
The extension of the suspects’ detention reflects the serious nature of the case and the need for thorough investigation before moving forward with formal charges.
