KDF denies allegations of methamphetamine theft in massive 1,024kg seizure off Kenyan coast
Kenya Defence Forces deny claims officers stole part of a 1,024kg methamphetamine haul seized off the Kenyan coast, saying the drugs are intact under guard as investigations continue.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has strongly denied allegations that some of its officers stole part of a massive methamphetamine consignment, with an estimated value of Sh8.14 billion (USD 63 million), seized during a joint maritime security operation on October 25, 2025.
In a statement issued by KDF Strategic Communications, the military said the entire 1,024 kilogrammes of crystal meth offloaded from a captured dhow remains “intact and under continuous, round-the-clock protection” by a multi-agency security team.
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"It has been alleged that during the operation, and as the narcotics were being offloaded for transport ashore, some KDF personnel involved in the mission stole and concealed a portion of the narcotics for personal gain," the statement read.
"We wish to clarify that the entire 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine offloaded ashore remains intact and is under continuous, round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency security team."
Intercepted off Kenyan coast
The shipment was intercepted off the Kenyan coast during an operation involving several security agencies working together to stop a dhow suspected of trafficking drugs into the region.
The seizure, weighing more than a tonne, is one of the largest methamphetamine recoveries recorded in Kenyan waters.
However, reports alleging that some officers may have diverted part of the haul began circulating soon after, threatening to overshadow the success of the operation.
The KDF said that the personnel mentioned in the allegations are already under investigation by the relevant authorities.
It added that the military will fully cooperate with ongoing inquiries and that any officer found to have acted unlawfully will face disciplinary and legal action in accordance with the law.
Need for robust oversight
The case has reignited debate over the need for robust oversight during complex operations involving high-value narcotics, particularly when multiple agencies are engaged.
Security analysts note that the KDF’s swift response is intended to safeguard the integrity of the mission and maintain public confidence.
For now, the recovered methamphetamine remains under strict guard as investigations continue.
The KDF has urged the public to await the results of the inquiries, emphasising that the success of the interception should not be overshadowed by unproven allegations.
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