The 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 attracting the attention of customs officers but was intercepted for questioning.
During interrogation, she reportedly told officers that a female passenger had handed her the bags and asked her to take them through Customs.
CT Scanner Reveals Phones and Drones
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.
Customs officers later traced the passenger, who had arrived in Kenya aboard an international flight. She reportedly confirmed handing the backpacks to the cleaner while using the airport restrooms.
A review of her travel documents established that she was a frequent traveller.
Officers then conducted a physical inspection of the bags 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.
Other recovered items included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects.
KRA said the third drone was accompanied by its controller, battery and accessories, while the other two drones were recovered with their respective controllers and batteries.
Seized Goods Held at Customs Warehouse
The authority said the intercepted goods had been secured and deposited at the customs warehouse pending further action.
KRA attributed the interception to the use of baggage-scanning technology to identify goods suspected of being smuggled into the country.
It added that it was expanding the use of technology and risk-based passenger screening at border points to strengthen enforcement.
“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.
KRA Issues Warning Over Drone Imports
The authority also cautioned travellers and importers against bringing drones into Kenya without obtaining the required regulatory approvals.
“The importation of drones into Kenya is restricted and requires the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),” KRA noted.
Travellers were advised to establish the applicable requirements and secure the necessary authorisation before importing drones.
KRA said it remained committed to safeguarding government revenue, protecting Kenya’s borders and facilitating compliant passenger movement through technology, intelligence and enforcement measures.
