A woman’s attempt to smuggle cocaine to Dubai was foiled on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit arrested her at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) just minutes before her flight.

The person of interest, a 41-year-old, was intercepted moments before takeoff in what authorities described as a well-timed operation. Acting on intelligence and instinct, detectives flagged her for an additional security screening as she prepared to board her flight.

“A woman’s attempts to smuggle cocaine to Dubai were foiled after detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit arrested her at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) minutes before takeoff,” read the DCI statement in part.

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Last-minute arrest at JKIA

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), she had concealed several pellets of cocaine inside her body in a bid to evade detection.

“The trafficker, 41 years old, had turned herself into a smuggling vessel, concealing several pellets of cocaine inside her body in a desperate gamble to outwit airport security.”

Concealed cocaine

The decision to subject her to extra screening proved critical. Advanced scans conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Unit revealed the presence of the illicit cargo hidden within her body.

She was immediately placed under medical supervision to ensure her safety and allow for the recovery of the drugs.

“But her plan unravelled when detectives, acting on instinct and intelligence, flagged her for an additional screening. Their suspicions were correct; scans revealed she was carrying the illicit cargo inside her.”

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During the medical procedure, she excreted three pellets of cocaine, confirming detectives’ suspicions.

“Placed under medical supervision, Nekesa later excreted three pellets of cocaine, confirming detectives’ worst fears about her risky internal concealment method. Now cooling her heels in custody, her “import–export” mission has ended before it even took off.”

Investigations underway

The person of interest is currently in custody as detectives continue investigations to establish the full details of the smuggling attempt, including potential links to larger trafficking networks.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations at key entry and exit points. Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit remain on high alert to detect and disrupt similar attempts in the future.

The detectives will present her in court once investigations are concluded.