The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after Customs officers flagged two backpacks being carried by an airport cleaner.

The interception occurred during the clearance of arriving passengers when officers noticed the cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal.

According to KRA, the worker attempted to flee after noticing the officers but was stopped for questioning.

During interrogation, the cleaner told Customs officers that a female passenger had handed her the bags and asked her to take them through Customs.

The officers subjected the backpacks to screening using a computed tomography (CT) baggage scanner, which revealed mobile phones and drones inside.

Customs officers subsequently traced the passenger, who had arrived aboard an international flight. She confirmed handing the bags to the cleaner while using the airport restrooms.

A review of her travel documents showed that she was a frequent traveller. Officers then conducted a physical inspection of the bags in the presence of both the passenger and the airport employee.

The inspection established that the bags contained 52 refurbished mobile phones, three drones, controllers, batteries and other accessories.

The recovered equipment included two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones and one DJI Air 2S drone, alongside their controllers, batteries and accessories. Other items included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects.

The seized items were secured and transferred to the Customs warehouse pending further action.

KRA said the interception highlights the role of baggage-scanning technology and risk-based passenger screening in detecting goods suspected of being moved through unauthorised channels.

The authority said it continues to deploy technology and intelligence to strengthen border controls, protect government revenue and facilitate legitimate passenger movement and trade.

The interception also comes amid regulatory requirements governing the importation of drones into Kenya.

The importation of drones is subject to applicable regulations and requires relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Travellers and importers are required to establish and comply with the relevant requirements before bringing the equipment into the country.

KRA said it remains committed to enforcing Customs regulations while ensuring that goods entering Kenya meet the applicable import requirements.