'We didn't understand the charges': 6 Iranians withdraw guilty pleas in Ksh.8.2B drug trafficking case

The six, Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi, who were intercepted in the Indian Ocean, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi, requesting that the charge be read afresh. They claimed they had not fully understood the charge when they initially pleaded guilty two weeks ago.

Upon re-reading of the charge, all six entered pleas of not guilty.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged the accused with trafficking in narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(a)(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, as amended in 2022. 

Prosecutors told the court that the suspects were jointly involved in trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine aboard an unregistered and stateless dark vessel named “Mashaallah.”

According to the prosecution, the offence occurred between October 17 and 20, 2025, on the high seas at Latitude 04° 46.79'S and Longitude 045° 27.42'E, approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Port of Mombasa. 

"The massive consignment underscores the transnational nature of the crime and the growing threat posed by maritime drug trafficking networks," said the ODPP.

The prosecution team opposed the release of the accused on bond arguing that, as foreign nationals with no known local residence or reliable contacts, the suspects posed a high risk of absconding if released.

The court agreed with the DPP and denied bond, ordering that the accused be remanded at Shimo La Tewa Prison pending the hearing and determination of the case. The court further directed that pro bono legal counsel be provided at state expense to ensure a fair trial.

The matter is scheduled for pre-trial mention on February 19, 2026.