Six Iranians to present defence over Sh8.2b narcotics trafficking case

Six Iranian nationals are facing charges of trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at approximately Sh8.2 billion.

A Shanzu court Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi has ruled that the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), had established a prima facie case against Jaseem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Hassan Baloch, Raheem Baksh, Imran Baloch and Imtiyaz Daryay.

Lawyer Mwicigi noted the unusual nature and scale of the case, observing that the evidence presented before the court had originated from the high seas and involved a vessel allegedly carrying more than one tonne of methamphetamin.

The ruling came after the prosecution by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joseph Kimanthi, Principal Prosecution Counsel Alex Ndiema and Prosecution Counsel Henrietta Mburu, presented 12 witnesses and closed its case.

The six, now to be placed on their defence under Section 211 of the Criminal Procedure Code, are charged with trafficking in narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.

Jointly with others, the accused conveyed the consignment aboard the vessel Mashaallah, which was allegedly unregistered and stateless.

“Vessel was intercepted on the high seas while carrying the suspected narcotics,” DPP says, adding that alleged offence ccurred between 17th and 20th October, 2025, in international waters.