Six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking methamphetamine valued at approximately Ksh 8.2 billion have withdrawn their earlier guilty pleas, hence setting the stage for a full trial as prosecutors insist on pursuing the case to its conclusion.
The suspects, Jaseem Darzadeh Nia, Nadeem Jadgal, Hassan Baloch, Raheem Baksh, Imran Baloch and Imtiyaz Daryay made an appearance before Antony Mwicigi, the Chief Magistrate, where they requested that the charge be read afresh.
They claimed that they had not understood it when they pleaded guilty two weeks ago. After the charge was re-read, all six entered pleas of not guilty.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged the six with trafficking in narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(a)(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Prosecutors allege that the accused were jointly involved in trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine aboard an unregistered and stateless vessel named ‘Mashaallah’.
The prosecution told the court that the offense was committed between October 17 and October 20, 2025, on the high seas at coordinates approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Port of Mombasa.
According to the prosecutors, the massive consignment highlights the transnational nature of the crime and the growing threat posed by maritime drug trafficking networks.
Joseph Kimanthi, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, led the prosecution team which strongly opposed the release of the accused on bond. They asserted that the suspects are foreign nationals with no fixed residence, family ties or verifiable contacts within Kenya and therefore posing a significant flight risk.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s submissions and denied the accused bond. The six will remain in custody at Shimo La Tewa Prison pending their hearing and determination of the case.
The court further ordered that pro bono legal representation be provided at state expense as a way of safeguarding their right to a fair trial.
The matter has been scheduled for mention for pre-trial directions on February 19, 2026.
