Police arrest Dutch national over attempt to smuggle 12kg of miraa to Denmark

A Dutch national was arrested at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa after he was found with approximately 12 kilogrammes of miraa (khat), which officials said he was attempting to export to Denmark.

Officials said the man was intercepted on December 30 during routine screening, after the substance was detected in two pieces of luggage.

He was informed that exporting the plant is prohibited, and he was taken into custody pending arraignment.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

The arrest comes amid what authorities describe as an emerging trend.

On August 8, 2025, another Dutch national was arrested at the same airport after he was found with about 10 kilogrammes of miraa while preparing to board a flight to Norway.

Police said he was travelling on an Ethiopian Airlines flight at the time.

Officials said security screening at airports has been intensified to detect attempts to export prohibited substances.

They added that enforcement efforts have increasingly focused on Mombasa, citing a shift by some travellers away from Nairobi routes.

Miraa, also known as khat, is a stimulant plant that affects the central nervous system. It is prohibited or strictly regulated in several countries, including many in Europe, North America and Australia.

In Australia, for instance, the importation of khat is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and is permitted only for approved medical or scientific purposes.

Authorities noted that restrictions on the plant in various international markets have affected farmers who rely on miraa as a source of income, and efforts are ongoing to encourage diversification into alternative livelihoods.

Separately, police in Kilifi County are investigating the death of an American tourist who was found dead in his hotel room in Malindi.

The deceased was identified as James Warner Fentress, 80.

Police said he had arrived in Kenya on December 24 for the festive season and was staying with his daughter at the time of his death on December 30.

The cause of death had not been established by the time of reporting, and the body was moved to a mortuary pending a post-mortem examination, police said.