A female suspect has been apprehended for her alleged involvement in smuggling a significant consignment of prohibited doping medications in Kenya.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

Doping suspect in custody

She is now in custody and is scheduled to appear before the court on July 19.

The woman was arrested on July 13, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), as she attempted to deceive officers stationed at the airport’s scanning area.

However, the vigilant DCI officers, specialized in anti-doping matters, were prepared to intercept both the suspect and the consignment of doping medications.

The seized medicament consisted of 399 boxes of Levosalbutamol, 250 boxes of Carvedilol, and 150 boxes of Triamcinolone Acetonide injections.

The Triamcinolone Acetonide falls under the category S9: Glucocorticoids in the 2023 WADA Prohibited List.

“On 13th July 2023, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) working hand in hand with sleuths drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) nabbed an illegal consignment of assorted medicaments being smuggled into the country by a suspect who is now in custody,” a statement by ADAK said.

“The action unfolded at 8:30 am at the Jomo-Kenyatta International Airport when the suspect attempted to fool officers stationed at the airport scanning area. Unbeknownst to the suspect, the well-versed and trained DCI officers on matters of anti-doping were keenly waiting to pounce on her and the consignment of doping medicament,” the statement further said.

Doping concerns for Kenyan Athletes

This substance has been a cause for concern as some Kenyan athletes have faced sanctions after samples revealed its presence. It is prohibited for in-competition use when administered via certain routes.

Upon inspection, the suspect was unable to provide the required permit or license for the prohibited substances found in her possession. Consequently, she is facing charges related to the smuggling of illicit doping medications.

ADAK’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Shibutse, underscored the agency’s determination to fulfil its mandate and eradicate doping from sports.

“The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports has a zero-tolerance approach to doping in sport. ADAK remains undeterred in the fight against doping in sports and continues to gather intelligence and conduct investigations on suspected doping activities around the country,” she said in the statement.

“The Agency reiterates its commitment to discharging its mandate. Enforcement of the World Anti-Doping Code and ADAK Anti-Doping Rules shall continue, and the doping menace shall be defeated,” the statement concluded.

The arrest comes data after several sportsmen were banned over doping in recent months.