Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have arrested a suspect attempting to smuggle 2 kilograms of cannabis.
In a statement dated Thursday, December 12, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the arrest was made in collaboration with Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) staff, who flagged suspicious items during routine luggage screening.
“While working with KAA staff who screened her luggage and detected the suspicious items, the detectives intercepted the 27-year-old suspect, identified as Quinter Achieng Matengo, who was set to travel to Doha, Qatar,” read part of the statement.
Following initial questioning, the suspect was escorted to the ANU offices for a detailed examination of her belongings. During the search, detectives uncovered the cannabis hidden inside packets of maize flour, a concealment strategy she believed would evade detection.
“Upon interrogation, she was taken to ANU offices, where a search of her luggage revealed the drugs concealed in maize flour packets—unaware that vigilant detectives would thwart her plans,” the DCI added.
The seized drugs are now in custody, while the suspect was processed and is awaiting arraignment in court.
This incident comes a month after three individuals were arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
Among those apprehended in the earlier case was a General Service Unit (GSU) officer, Police Constable Kebeno Aminga Duke, alongside Wycliffe Omwenga Mokaya (30) and Allan Machogu Nyarundia (25).
According to DCI reports, the suspects were intercepted on November 8, 2024, in the Karai area along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
“Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics detectives stopped two vehicles—Toyota Noah Reg. No. KDB 190A and Toyota Fielder Reg. No. KDL 731V—and seized 50 kilograms of cannabis concealed in gunny bags,” DCI stated.
