Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have intercepted 41 sachets of suspected narcotics cleverly concealed in two suitcases. The luggage had arrived on a flight from Bangkok and raised suspicion after anomalies were flagged by the airport’s advanced scanner systems during a routine baggage screening.
Following the alert, the suitcases were subjected to a more thorough inspection. Officers discovered the contraband expertly hidden within the linings of the bags. The suspected drugs were promptly seized and handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Unit for further analysis and investigation.
Security agencies have taken into custody a suspect believed to be connected to the intercepted luggage. The individual is currently being questioned as part of a wider, ongoing probe involving the customs department, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other security bodies.
Authorities emphasized that the bust was a result of heightened vigilance, coordination among security agencies, and the deployment of modern detection technologies at key border points. The incident underscores the importance of continued investment in scanning equipment and intelligence sharing in the fight against international drug trafficking networks.
Officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s borders from illicit trade, pledging continued cooperation with both domestic and international stakeholders to curb the influx of illegal substances into the country.
This latest seizure adds to a growing list of drug trafficking attempts thwarted at JKIA. In February this year, another significant interception involved suspected amphetamines concealed inside a carton of large candles. That shipment had originated from Bujumbura, Burundi, and was en route to Australia.
The recurrence of such incidents highlights the airport’s critical role as both a target and checkpoint in global smuggling routes. It also reflects the constant pressure faced by border control and law enforcement agencies in intercepting narcotics before they can enter or exit Kenyan territory.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reiterating that combatting drug trafficking requires a joint effort between state agencies and the community.
