Kenyan Woman Arrested After Attempting to Smuggle Cocaine Through JKIA

Kenyan anti-narcotics officers have detained a woman at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after allegedly finding cocaine she had swallowed before travelling from Addis Ababa.

Police say intelligence-led monitoring enabled Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) officers to act as soon as the passenger arrived on 21 November. She was taken into custody and escorted to ANU offices, where an initial check confirmed their suspicions.

Within minutes she expelled 14 pellets, followed by another 14 under continued supervision. In total, officers recovered 28 capsules weighing just over 912 grammes and valued at more than KSh3.6 million. A subsequent X-ray confirmed her abdomen was clear.

Investigators believe the woman may have been pressured by international drug syndicates or motivated by financial gain. They are examining whether the drugs were intended for a local buyer or for onward shipment, though the final destination has not been established.

She is being held as authorities prepare to present her in court. The method used, commonly known as body packing, involves swallowing drug-filled capsules and carries severe medical risks. A single rupture can cause a fatal overdose within minutes, illustrating the danger faced by couriers often used by transnational networks.

Kenyan authorities have increased efforts to curb narcotics trafficking, expanding surveillance at major entry points and strengthening cooperation with international partners. The ANU says enhanced monitoring at JKIA is helping to identify the origins of seized drugs and disrupt trafficking routes.