Wanted Kenyan Woman Nabbed at JKIA With Sh13.5M Cocaine

September 26, 2026

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Wanted Kenyan Woman Arrested at Airport With Cocaine Worth Sh13.5 Million

A wanted Kenyan woman who has been on the radar of detectives since last year has been arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as she attempted to leave the country for Bangladesh with 3.383 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at approximately Sh13.53 million.

The suspected narcotics were concealed in three small bags, according to detectives.

Wanted Kenyan Woman Arrested at JKIA

The suspect, identified as Jane Waithera Wateri, was intercepted by detectives from the Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations (KACI) following a stop order issued by detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB) over alleged trafficking in narcotic drugs.

Wateri was preparing to board a flight to Bangladesh when detectives stopped her journey.

A search conducted upon her interception led to the recovery of three small bags containing suspected narcotic drugs.

Suspected Cocaine Worth Sh13.5 Million Recovered

A preliminary field test returned positive for cocaine, with the consignment weighing approximately 3.383 kilograms and having an estimated street value of Sh13,530,720.

The recovery has led to further investigations as detectives seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected narcotics trafficking operation.

The suspect had reportedly been on the law-enforcement watch list since last year over alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking.

Jane Waithera Wateri Held at JKIA Police Station

Wateri is currently being held at JKIA Police Station as detectives from NANIB and the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU) pursue further leads.

The investigations are aimed at establishing the full extent of the suspected narcotics trafficking network and identifying possible links to the operation.

The DCI has not indicated that the preliminary field test is the final forensic confirmation of the substance, with investigations continuing.

KACI Warns Against Drug Trafficking Through Airports

The Director of Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations, Ms. B. Kanyai, MBS, DSM, AIG, said KACI, in partnership with other law-enforcement agencies, remains resolute in ensuring that Kenyan airports are not turned into conduits for narcotics trafficking.

She warned that those seeking to use the country’s airports as a gateway for the illicit narcotics trade will face the full force of the law.

The arrest comes as Kenyan authorities continue efforts to prevent airports from being used to transport illegal drugs and to investigate suspected narcotics trafficking networks.

Investigations Into Suspected Narcotics Network Continue

Detectives from NANIB and FIU are continuing to pursue additional leads in the case.

The investigation will seek to establish the wider network allegedly connected to the suspected trafficking operation as Wateri remains in custody at JKIA Police Station.