Anti-narcotics detectives recently made a significant breakthrough in dismantling a cocaine-smuggling network, resulting in the arrest of five suspects. The operation unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when authorities intercepted a woman, identified as 32-year-old Apoko Damaris Adhiambo, attempting to board a Madagascar-bound flight. Adhiambo was found to have concealed 57 pellets of cocaine in her underwear during a routine screening at terminal A1’s central checkpoint.
The discovery was made through the use of a body scanner, which detected suspicious items around Adhiambo’s privates. Subsequent inspection revealed approximately 600g of cocaine hidden in her undergarments. Following a positive spot test for the presence of cocaine, Adhiambo was detained for further questioning. It was during interrogation that she disclosed her involvement in the smuggling ring, implicating a certain Harriet Asaba residing in Nairobi as her recruiter.
Utilizing forensic technologies and investigative techniques, law enforcement officers were able to trace Asaba’s whereabouts to Accra Road in Nairobi, leading to her arrest. Asaba subsequently provided crucial information about three additional accomplices involved in the illicit operation. Among them were Ugandan national Nangozi Shirah, as well as Esther Wanjiru and Sophia Kathambi, both aged 24.
In a meticulous effort to unravel the entire syndicate, the second suspect, Asaba, guided detectives to the Free Area Hotel building and the VIP Beauty Shop. A thorough search of these premises resulted in the discovery of 33 more pellets of crack cocaine. Prosecution proceedings have been initiated against all arrested suspects as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the smuggling network.
Furthermore, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is collaborating with Interpol to ascertain the intended recipients of the seized drugs in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This coordinated approach underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combatting transnational drug trafficking and disrupting criminal networks involved in such illicit activities.
