25-Year-Old Woman Smuggling Cocaine Blocked From Boarding Flight Out Of Kenya

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a 25-year-old Kenyan woman, Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after attempting to smuggle cocaine to Goa, India.

DCI, in a statement on Friday, May 2, revealed that the suspect was intercepted by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit during a routine screening as she prepared to board an outbound flight. 

A detailed search of her luggage revealed two concealed smaller bags containing a white, powdery substance.

Small bags of cocaine recovered by Anti-Narcotics Unit officers on May 2, 2025. /DCI

"Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi, 25, learned the hard way that smuggling drugs is a fast track to jail time, not a holiday in the sun. The aspiring drug mule was nabbed by eagle-eyed Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as she attempted to board a flight to Goa, India," DCI revealed in part.

"Her travel plans hit turbulence when sharp-sighted detectives flagged her down for a routine check. A quick inspection of her luggage led to the discovery of two suspicious smaller bags tucked inside."

Preliminary spot tests confirmed the officers' suspicions that the substance was cocaine, weighing approximately 1.3 kilograms.

The narcotics were wrapped in yellow cellotape and hidden in a manner consistent with international drug trafficking methods.

Wanjiku is currently in custody at the JKIA Police Station and is undergoing further processing pending her arraignment in court. The seized drugs have been secured as evidence, as investigations continue.

"Wanjiku is currently cooling her heels at the JKIA Police Station, undergoing processing, awaiting her court appearance. Meanwhile, the seized narcotics are being detained as exhibits. Her trip to Goa just turned into a staycation courtesy of the Anti-Narcotics Detectives," added DCI.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tightening security and surveillance measures to deter drug trafficking through Kenyan airports.

In recent months, Kenyans have come under increased international scrutiny due to a surge in drug trafficking incidents involving citizens abroad. A significant number of those apprehended have been intercepted either at JKIA or at airports in countries such as India.

In several instances, Kenyan nationals have faced severe consequences in foreign jurisdictions, including capital punishment, most notably the case of Margaret Nduta in Vietnam.

Nduta was arrested at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport after authorities found drugs hidden in her suitcase during an immigration check.

She was later sentenced to death by a Vietnamese court after being found guilty. However, public outcry—especially on social media—prompted the Kenyan government to initiate diplomatic talks in an effort to stop the execution and bring her back home.