A Kenyan woman was stopped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to smuggle cocaine to Dubai, authorities said, in what they described as a dangerous internal concealment attempt.
The 41-year-old was arrested shortly before boarding after routine screening raised suspicions, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit carried out further checks and discovered that the suspect had ingested narcotics. Under medical supervision, she later excreted three cocaine pellets, and authorities believe additional drugs may remain inside her. She is being closely monitored as the investigation continues.
The DCI in a statement on Saturday said the case underscores the serious health risks of “body packing,” a method traffickers use to evade airport security.
Experts have warned that this practice can result in intestinal rupture or fatal overdose.
Under Kenya’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994, possession, trafficking, and attempted trafficking of banned substances carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
The woman’s actions qualify as trafficking because she attempted to export the cocaine to Dubai.
Kenya is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988, which requires member states to cooperate in combating drug trafficking through detection, prosecution, and extradition.
Airports like JKIA are designated critical points for intercepting cross-border drug operations.
JKIA, the busiest airport in East Africa, has in the past been identified as a transit hub for couriers moving cocaine and heroin between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
In response, the Kenya Airports Authority, DCI, and Kenya Revenue Authority Customs have enhanced screening protocols, including body scanners and risk-based passenger profiling.
Officials noted that traffickers often exploit vulnerable individuals as drug mules. The DCI warned that penalties are harsh not only in Kenya but also in countries like the United Arab Emirates, where drug offences can carry the death penalty.
“The suspect’s mission ended before it began. She is now under lawful custody and will face the full force of the law,” the DCI said. Authorities reiterated that disrupting drug trafficking is critical to protecting public health, safeguarding borders, and upholding the rule of law.