Wanted Woman Arrested With Ksh13.5M Cocaine at JKIA

Wanted Woman Arrested With Ksh13.5M Cocaine at JKIA

A Kenyan woman wanted by detectives since last year has been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while allegedly attempting to leave the country with cocaine valued at approximately Ksh13.53 million.

The woman was intercepted by officers from the Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations (KACI) unit as she prepared to board a flight to Bangladesh.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives conducted a search after stopping the suspect and recovered three small bags containing a substance believed to be narcotics.

A preliminary field test conducted on the recovered substance indicated the presence of cocaine.

The consignment weighed approximately 3,383 grams, with investigators estimating its street value at Ksh13,530,720.

“A preliminary field test returned positive for cocaine, with the consignment weighing approximately 3383 grams and having an estimated street value of Ksh13,530,720,” the DCI reported.

The arrest marked a significant development in an investigation that had reportedly placed the suspect on the radar of law enforcement agencies since last year.

Detectives said the woman had been on a watch list in connection with suspected narcotics trafficking. Her interception at JKIA therefore formed part of ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt networks involved in the movement of illegal drugs through Kenya.

Following her arrest, the suspect was taken to the JKIA Police Station as investigators continued processing the case.

Detectives from the Narcotics and Illicit Trade Investigations Bureau (NANIB), together with officers from the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU), were also brought into the investigation.

The teams are pursuing additional leads to establish the source of the suspected cocaine, its intended destination and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged trafficking operation.

The latest arrest has once again placed JKIA under focus in the fight against international drug trafficking.

Kenyan law enforcement agencies have in recent years intensified surveillance at the country’s airports, which serve as major transit points for passengers travelling between Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Airport investigators have previously intercepted passengers suspected of attempting to transport narcotics and other prohibited goods through international travel routes.

KACI Director B. Kanyai said the unit was working with other law enforcement agencies to prevent airports from becoming channels for the illegal drug trade.

“KACI, in partnership with other law-enforcement agencies, remains resolute in ensuring that Kenyan airports are not turned into conduits for narcotics trafficking,” the DCI stated.

The warning comes as investigators continue to strengthen cooperation between specialised units dealing with narcotics, financial crimes and airport security.

Authorities have also been examining the financial networks behind suspected drug trafficking operations, with the involvement of the FIU expected to help establish whether money transfers or other financial transactions are linked to the alleged consignment.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Detectives are expected to present her before court once investigations are completed and the relevant charges are prepared.

The arrest also highlights the continuing use of international airports in efforts to detect and prevent the movement of illegal drugs across borders.

Authorities have warned travellers against carrying packages for strangers or transporting suspicious substances, noting that individuals found facilitating drug trafficking can face criminal proceedings under Kenyan law.

For now, investigators are focused on establishing the wider network behind the suspected Ksh13.53 million cocaine consignment and determining whether the arrested woman acted alone or was part of a larger trafficking operation.

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Wanted Woman Arrested With Ksh13.5M Cocaine at JKIA