KRA seizes 52 Refurbished phones, three drones at JKIA/HANDOUTThe Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after customs officers intercepted an airport cleaner allegedly carrying two backpacks handed to her by a female passenger.
In a media brief issued on Saturday, October 17, KRA said the interception occurred during the clearance of arriving passengers when officers spotted the cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal.
The authority said the cleaner attempted to flee after being noticed by customs officers but was intercepted for questioning.
During interrogation, the cleaner told officers that a female passenger had handed her the bags and asked her to take them through Customs.
KRA said officers screened the backpacks using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed mobile phones and drones.
“The officers subsequently subjected the backpacks to screening using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of drones and assorted mobile phones,” the authority stated.
According to KRA, customs officers later traced the passenger, who had arrived in the country aboard an international flight. She confirmed handing the backpacks to the cleaner while using the airport restrooms.
A review of the passenger’s travel documents established that she was a frequent traveller.
The officers then conducted a physical verification of the bags' contents in the presence of both the passenger and the airport worker.
The exercise established that the backpacks contained 52 assorted refurbished mobile phones, three drones, controllers, batteries and other accessories.
Among the recovered items were two drones, two controllers and two batteries. The third drone was accompanied by its controller, battery and accessories.
"Other items included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects," the statement added.
KRA said the intercepted goods had been secured and deposited at the customs warehouse pending further action.
The authority attributed the interception to the use of baggage-scanning technology to detect goods suspected of being smuggled into the country.
It said it was expanding the use of technology and risk-based passenger screening at border points.
“The latest interception also demonstrates the importance of vigilance among customs officers and the need to ensure that all goods brought into the country comply with applicable import requirements,” KRA said.
The authority cautioned travellers and importers against bringing drones into the country without meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.
“The importation of drones into Kenya is restricted and requires the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),” it noted.
KRA advised travellers to establish and comply with the relevant requirements before importing drones into Kenya.
The authority said it remained committed to safeguarding government revenue, protecting the country's borders and facilitating compliant passenger movement through technology, intelligence and enforcement measures.
