NAIROBI, KENYA — A 25-year-old woman’s anticipated holiday to India was abruptly halted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after she was apprehended attempting to smuggle cocaine.
Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi was intercepted by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit just prior to boarding a flight destined for Goa, India.
During standard pre-departure checks, authorities became suspicious of her luggage, prompting a more detailed examination.
The inspection revealed an unusual concealment: two smaller bags containing a white powdery substance wrapped in yellow cellophane tape were discovered hidden within her suitcase. Initial forensic tests confirmed that the substance was cocaine, with a total weight of 1.3 kilograms.
“This was not just a routine traveler. The concealment method and quantity indicated a well-planned trafficking attempt,” stated a senior officer from the Anti-Narcotics Unit, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigations.
Ms. Mwangi was immediately taken into custody and is currently detained at the JKIA Police Station. She is expected to face legal proceedings in court shortly as the investigation continues.
Authorities have confirmed that the confiscated narcotics are being held as evidence.
“Her flight plan may have said Goa, but she’s landed in serious legal trouble instead,” the officer further commented.
Amid heightened surveillance at Kenyan airports, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stern warning to individuals contemplating using Kenya as a conduit for drug trafficking: “We are watching. We will catch you.”
What was envisioned as a sunny escape has now transformed into a stark reality for Ms. Mwangi, serving as a cautionary narrative for others contemplating involvement in the illicit drug trade.