Kenyan Woman Caught Smuggling Cocaine at JKIA Just Before Boarding Flight to India
A 25-year-old Kenyan woman has been arrested at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as she allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs to India.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was intercepted by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit while she was about to board a flight to Goa, India. During the arrest, authorities reportedly recovered approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine.
DCI explained that the woman had concealed the drugs by wrapping them in yellow sellotape and hiding them inside her luggage. Officers became suspicious during a routine inspection, which led to a thorough search of her belongings.
“The suspect’s attempt to enjoy a sunny getaway ended in disappointment as sharp-eyed detectives stopped her in her tracks,” the DCI said. “Instead of boarding the plane, she found herself being escorted to the JKIA Police Station.”
The police added that a closer inspection of her bag revealed two hidden smaller bags that raised further suspicion.
After confirming the presence of narcotics, officers placed the woman in custody. She is currently being held at the JKIA Police Station, where she is undergoing processing and awaiting her appearance in court.
The confiscated cocaine is now being held as evidence as the investigation continues.
Authorities have warned that drug smuggling into India is a serious crime, carrying severe legal consequences.
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) of 1985, anyone—whether a local or a foreign national—caught trafficking illegal drugs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, which may be extended to 20 years.
In addition to the jail term, courts can impose a fine of at least KSh306,000 or more, depending on the case.
Bail is extremely rare in such cases, and convicts are not entitled to early release or parole. Even consular assistance from the suspect’s home country does not influence sentencing or offer legal relief.
After serving the full sentence, offenders are usually deported and permanently barred from re-entering India.
The arrest comes at a time when Kenya is still reeling from a recent high-profile drug trafficking case involving Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan woman who was sentenced to death in Vietnam after being found guilty of heroin trafficking.
This latest arrest serves as a strong warning to anyone considering using international travel as a route for drug smuggling. Detectives have vowed to remain vigilant, especially at major entry and exit points like JKIA.
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