Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted narcotics at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that had been declared as candy.
The drugs were seized by KRA Customs Enforcement Officers during a routine check by the K9 team at the Cargo Centre (KQ) Shed.
26 vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil and five sachets each weighing one gram of hashish declared as candy intercepted at the JKIA by Customs Enforcement Officers ~ KRA @KBCChannel1 @k_wawira @KalekyeMargaret @hunjahm
— Wuod Nyalego (@Ronald_Owili) August 1, 2018
The narcotics were concealed in a package of vitamin tablets that consisted of 26 vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil and five sachets each weighing one gram of hashish.
The package was further subjected to scanning and thereafter intrusive verification. Samples were also drawn and forwarded to the Customs laboratory for qualitative spot tests which indicated the presence of the narcotics.
KRA intercepts narcotics at JKIA concealed in vitamin tablets packages, the packets were filled with cannabis oil and sachets of hashish.
— Ali ‘Mwamvita’ Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) August 1, 2018
The shipment was later handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Unit for further investigations.
“KRA continues to put in more relentless measures and remains vigilant in stepping up the fight against smuggling at the points of entry,” the firm said in a statement.
KRA officers seize narcotics at JKIA concealed in a package of vitamin tablets, sent through a courier service provider the consignment had been declared as candy. pic.twitter.com/BwA93vv8gY
— RamogiFM (@RamogiFM) August 1, 2018
Customs and Border Control operations recently received a major boost following recruitment of eight additional K9 handlers and acquisition of five more K9s.
KRA Custom Enforcement officers seize narcotics declared as candy at JKIA. pic.twitter.com/V7D91avak3
— Hillary Orinde?? (@OrindeHillary) August 1, 2018
The five additional K9s will cover the baggage halls and cargo sheds at the airports, Port of Mombasa and Inland Container Deport in Embakasi more effectively.
Have Drug Barons Infiltrated the Airport?
Security agencies and airlines have raised concerns over the possible existence of a drug trafficking racket at the Airport, used to smuggle them outside and to the country.
In a period of less than a month, 6 people have been arrested either with narcotics or for facilitating the illegal business.
In November, detectives acting on intelligence busted two Kenya Airways cabin crew about some 15 minutes to their flight to Cotonou, Benin with a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria.
But how they sneaked the drugs to the tightly secured airport remains a puzzle.
A driver, also working for the airline was also arrested for helping them to carry the luggage, which according to police may not have been screened.
“The driver was used to take the luggage to the plane,” a senior officer involved in the investigations told a local news outlet.
And according to detectives, the narcotics weighed 21 kilogrammes, with a value of Sh150 million. The drugs were found wrapped in their hand luggage, about 15 minutes to the departure of the plane.
The airline, through a statement, has promised to co-operate fully with the authorities in, “getting to the bottom of the matter.”
“Kenya Airways adheres to all regulations and laws of Kenya and the countries it operates in. In addition, all members of crew are trained on these regulations and laws and are expected to adhere to them at all times.”
“Kenya Airways remains committed to the integrity of its operation and does not condone any illegal activities by its staff members.”
Earlier in October a police multi-agency team following leads discovered a drug trafficking racket at JKIA involving the staff of Kenya Airways and three were arrested in the swoop.
Two of those arrested, just like in Thursday’s case were Kenya Airways members of the cabin crew while the other person was a driver with Trade Winds, a transportation company.
Detectives recovered 5080.91 grams of heroin, worth Sh15.2 million. They were arrested at 1 am on the night of October 14.The drugs were found hidden within the crew restroom of a Kenya Airways plane (Flight KQ 870) destined for Hong-Kong, China.