A Mombasa court has ordered three suspects linked to the alleged trafficking of methamphetamine worth approximately Sh3.6 billion from Pakistan to be detained for 15 days to allow investigators to complete their inquiries.
Chief Magistrate David Odhiambo issued the order after prosecutors sought 21 days to hold the suspects as investigations into the suspected drug trafficking network continue.
The three suspects are Saleh Khamisi Basleman, Seif Said Hamadi and Zureicah Nakabugo. They were arrested on November 7 during a joint security operation targeting an alleged drug trafficking operation.
According to an affidavit filed by an investigating officer, the operation followed the arrest of Basleman in Tanzania a day earlier. He was subsequently handed over to Kenyan security officers at the Lunga Lunga border crossing.
Investigators allege that after being handed over to Kenyan authorities, Basleman led officers to several locations in Ganja la Simba, Kinondo and Shirazi Village in Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County.
It was during the operation that officers reportedly recovered 454 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be methamphetamine.
The security team also seized two Ford Ranger vehicles, a motorcycle and eight electronic devices believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Prosecutors told the court that the suspected drugs were yet to undergo laboratory analysis to establish their composition and confirm whether they were methamphetamine.
The substances are expected to be sampled and examined by the Government Chief Analyst as part of the process of establishing the nature and quantity of the drugs recovered.
Investigators are also examining the electronic devices seized during the operation in an effort to obtain information that could help establish the suspects' alleged involvement and identify possible links to other individuals.
The prosecution further indicated that detectives were working to verify identification documents recovered during the operation as part of efforts to establish the identities and movements of those under investigation.
The court granted the prosecution's request for continued detention, but reduced the period sought from 21 days to 15 days.
The order will allow investigators additional time to conduct forensic examinations, analyse the seized devices and pursue other leads before taking further action in the matter.
The three suspects will remain in custody as the investigation continues. They have not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against them remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned again on November 24, when the court is expected to receive an update on the progress of the investigations.
