DCI nab drug mule at JKIA, seize cocaine worth Ksh3.6M
By Faith Lagat, November 24, 2025In yet another major blow to drug trafficking networks exploiting Kenya’s aviation routes, Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) detectives have arrested a person of interest at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after she was found smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine in her stomach.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest in a statement issued on its verified X account on November 24, 2025.
Interception at JKIA
The 34-year-old person of interest had just landed aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa when detectives, acting on precise intelligence, moved in. She was immediately isolated upon arrival and escorted to the ANU offices within the airport for close monitoring.
Under observation, the person of interest began expelling the narcotics. She emitted the first 14 pellets of cocaine within minutes, prompting detectives to maintain a tight watch. Soon after, she expelled another 14 pellets, bringing the total to 28.
“She was escorted to the ANU offices for observation, and within minutes, the truth began to spill out, as she emitted 14 pellets of cocaine. Knowing there was more, detectives maintained a tight watch, and soon another 14 pellets followed, bringing the tally to 28 pellets, weighing 912.74 grams valued at approximately Sh3, 650, 960 in the streets,” DCI explained.
According to the DCI, “The recovered substance weighed 912.74 grams and was valued at approximately Ksh3,650,960 on the streets.”
A subsequent X-ray conducted on her confirmed that no additional pellets remained in her body. The scan returned negative, verifying that all concealed narcotics had been expelled. A test on the white powdery substance later confirmed it was cocaine.
Tightening the net on drug traffickers
The ANU team at JKIA has continued to maintain a firm grip on drug trafficking routes, intercepting couriers attempting to use Nairobi as a transit point.
The person of interest remains in lawful custody at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Police Station as detectives finalise documentation ahead of her arraignment. “She remains in custody as detectives prepare her for arraignment,” the DCI confirmed.
The operation adds to a series of successful interceptions by the Anti-Narcotics Unit, reflecting Kenya’s heightened vigilance against transnational drug syndicates targeting its airports. Authorities say they remain committed to blocking attempts to use the country as a narcotics corridor.