NAIROBI, KENYA - Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) on Monday, November 24, 2025, arrested a suspected drug mule at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and seized cocaine valued at approximately Ksh3.65 million. The 34-year-old woman was intercepted upon her arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, according to a statement released by the DCI.

Acting on precise intelligence, ANU detectives isolated the suspect immediately after she disembarked. She was escorted to the ANU offices within the airport for observation, where she began to expel pellets of the narcotic she had ingested. The DCI reported that the woman expelled an initial 14 pellets, followed by another 14, bringing the total to 28 pellets weighing 912.74 grams. A subsequent X-ray confirmed that no more pellets remained in her body. The suspect was taken into custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.

Kenya's Enduring Role as a Narcotics Transit Hub

This seizure is the latest in a series of incidents that underscore Kenya's position as a significant transit point for illicit drugs, including cocaine and heroin, destined for markets in Africa, Europe, and North America. A June 2025 report by the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) identified Kenya and South Africa as key entry points for cocaine into the region. Traffickers exploit the country's extensive air and sea links, well-developed logistics infrastructure, and instances of corruption to move narcotics.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kenyan authorities seized over 3.2 tonnes of narcotics nationwide between 2024 and 2025. During the same period, heroin seizures at airports saw a 27 percent increase. JKIA alone has been the site of over 40 arrests related to drug trafficking syndicates in the past decade, with more than 150 airline-related cases documented. These statistics highlight the persistent challenge faced by Kenyan law enforcement agencies in curbing the flow of illegal drugs.

A Multi-Faceted National Challenge

The fight against drug trafficking in Kenya is complicated by several factors. A study published in the University of Nairobi's digital repository points to challenges within the Anti-Narcotics Unit, including inadequate methodologies for identifying drug sources and apprehending high-level traffickers, often referred to as barons. The study notes that while authorities are somewhat effective at apprehending couriers and users, the masterminds often evade capture. Furthermore, issues like corruption, outdated laws, and insufficient resources hamper control efforts.

The consequences of this trade are severe, contributing to corruption within government and security institutions and fueling a growing domestic drug consumption problem. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has expressed concern over a recent shift from traditional drugs to potent synthetic substances, which are reportedly “causing havoc among young people.” This trend indicates that African countries, including Kenya, are increasingly becoming destination markets, not just transit routes.

Strengthening the National Response

In response to these evolving threats, Kenyan authorities are adopting a multi-pronged strategy. This includes intelligence-led enforcement operations and a greater focus on public health. In a meeting on November 19, 2025, the ODPP and Kenya Airways agreed to enhance collaboration to improve the early detection of trafficking, intelligence sharing, and evidence handling. This partnership aims to create a more robust operational framework to disrupt the criminal networks exploiting Kenya's aviation sector.

Furthermore, NACADA is utilizing a National Drug Observatory to monitor emerging trends and is advocating for alternatives to incarceration for drug users, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that combating the drug trade requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both supply and demand, while also tackling the systemic issues of corruption and institutional weakness that allow trafficking to thrive. The latest arrest at JKIA serves as a stark reminder of the continuous vigilance required to protect Kenya and the wider region from the destabilizing impact of the global narcotics trade.