A multi-agency security team has intercepted a consignment of methamphetamine worth Sh10.5 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The operation, led by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit, was carried out on Wednesday at a cargo facility within the airport after authorities flagged a suspicious parcel destined for the Philippines.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the consignment had been declared as containing handmade bags and clothes.
However, a detailed inspection by officers revealed white crystalline substances concealed inside two handbags and wrapped in clear packaging.
Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 1,320 grammes.
Police said the drugs have an estimated street value of Sh10.56 million.
“The parcel was subjected to a thorough physical examination, during which officers uncovered white crystal substances carefully concealed inside two handbags,” the agency said in a statement.
The consignment has since been seized and detained as evidence, while investigations have been launched to trace those behind the attempted shipment.
Authorities said the operation was part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts targeting narcotics trafficking networks using Kenya as a transit point.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations noted that traffickers continue to employ concealment tactics and false declarations to evade detection, particularly in international cargo shipments.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance at key entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as part of broader efforts to curb drug smuggling.
In a related incident, on April 28, 2026, police at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport intercepted two consignments containing suspected narcotics during a multi-agency verification exercise, officials said.
The drugs were later confirmed to be methamphetamine valued at Sh22 million.
According to police, the operation was conducted on April 27, 2026, at a cargo shed, involving officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and other stakeholders.
The first shipment, which originated from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and was destined for the Philippines, had been declared as car piston samples.
Police discovered a whitish crystalline substance concealed within the package, which preliminary tests confirmed to be methamphetamine, a psychotropic drug, weighing approximately 1,730 grams with an estimated street value of Sh13.84 million.
In a second interception, a shipment from Juja Sub-County in Kiambu County, also destined for the Philippines and declared as handbags, was found to contain concealed compartments. Upon opening the three packages, officers discovered a clear crystalline substance hidden in false compartments.
The substance similarly tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing about 1,020 grams with a street value of Sh8.16 million. Authorities seized both consignments, and investigations are ongoing.
In another case two weeks ago, the team seized 700 grams of cocaine valued at Sh2.8 million destined for Saudi Arabia.
The consignment originated from Busia and was destined for Jeddah, concealed in four storybooks. The seizure of methamphetamine at the airport has raised concerns over the possible source of the drugs.
Officers said they are working to trace those who sent the consignments, while airport personnel have maintained heightened vigilance on cargo, leading to the interception of several drug shipments destined for various locations.
The agency urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities, assuring that information shared would be handled confidentially.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!