Kenya Revenue Authority customs officers arrested a foreign national on July 26, 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi after uncovering suspected narcotics concealed in his luggage.
The incident unfolded as soon as the passenger landed in Nairobi as the officers used advanced scanners and noticed anomalies in the two suitcases, which weighed 23kg each.
As they inspected further, they detected 41 sachets suspected to contain narcotic substances hidden carefully inside the suitcases.
“This morning, a routine baggage scan at JKIA turned into a major bust when KRA Customs officers flagged two suspicious suitcases from a Bangkok flight. What followed was a swift and coordinated inspection unveiling 41 sachets of suspected narcotics carefully concealed within the luggage,” KRA noted in a statement.
The suspect linked to the luggage is currently in custody, being questioned as part of a comprehensive investigation.
KRA indicated that the success of the operation shows how alert and committed their customs team is, and how well their modern detection tools are working.
“This operation is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our customs team, as well as the effectiveness of our modern detection technologies,” stated KRA.
A multi-agency team, including KRA, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit, has been constituted to conduct further testing of the contraband and pursue appropriate legal action under Kenyan law.
“We remain committed to working closely with other government agencies in the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of Kenya’s borders,” KRA added.
Kenya Revenue Authority also reported that the successful interception was made possible by the alert and quick action of its officers, along with the use of advanced scanner technology that helped detect the threat before it could go any further.
“Thanks to the vigilance of our officers and advanced scanner technology, another threat to our borders was stopped in its tracks,” said KRA in a post on X.
