How KRA Uncovered Ksh25.45 Million Suspected Narcotics in Cosmetics Shipment

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted a consignment containing suspected narcotic substances worth approximately Ksh 25.45 million at Eldoret International Airport.

In a statement on Thursday, September 25, KRA said the shipment originated from Dubai and was declared as cosmetics before being transported to Kenya for delivery to Mombasa. Customs officers flagged the cargo after an X-ray scan showed images that did not clearly match the declared contents.

“Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), enforcement team has intercepted a consignment of suspected narcotic substances valued at approximately Sh25.45 million at the Eldoret International Airport. The consignment, shipped from Dubai and declared as cosmetics, was destined for Mombasa and comprised 141 items packed in different forms, including soap-like blocks, gel-filled containers and powders,” read part of the statement.

The shipment had been declared as one piece weighing approximately 27.2 kilogrammes.

Unclear labelling and the discrepancies identified during scanning prompted officers to conduct a physical inspection of the cargo.

KRA Identifies Methamphetamine and Amphetamine

During the inspection, officers found a mixture of items concealed among the declared consumer products.

The authorities also identified gaps in the accompanying documentation, including limited verifiable information about the shipper and consignee.

Subsequent testing at the Government Chemist Laboratory in Kisumu confirmed that two batches contained controlled substances.

13 blue, soap-like blocks weighing 1,381.01 grammes tested positive for methamphetamine and had an estimated street value of Ksh 11.05 million.

Another 14 maroon gel containers weighing 4,802.86 grammes tested positive for amphetamine, with an estimated street value of Ksh 14.41 million.

Together, the two batches had an estimated street value of Ksh 25.45 million.

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Other Packages Test Negative

Meanwhile, laboratory analysis showed that most of the remaining packages did not contain narcotic or psychotropic substances.

The items included 24 containers of white powder, 24 containers of blue powder, 28 grey flaky fragments, 24 light-green powder-filled envelopes and 14 brown gel containers, among other assorted packages.

“The interception demonstrates the importance of Customs risk profiling, non-intrusive inspection technology and physical verification in identifying illicit substances concealed within consolidated cargo and consignments whose declared contents may not correspond with their actual contents,” the authority stated.

Following the discovery, authorities handed the consignment to the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Eldoret International Airport for further investigation and enforcement action.

Samples from the seized cargo were also submitted to the Government Chemist Laboratory in Kisumu for forensic analysis.

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Investigation Extended to Mombasa

Investigators later extended the probe beyond the shipment, leading to the arrest of a suspect in Mombasa.

“The investigation was subsequently extended beyond the seized cargo, resulting in the arrest of a suspect in Mombasa,” the statement said.

The authority said it would continue working with other government agencies to combat the movement of narcotic and psychotropic substances through Kenya’s borders.

“The Authority will continue deploying risk-based interventions, scanning technology, intelligence-led targeting and physical verification to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding the country from illicit trafficking,” KRA added.

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A photo of KRA offices. PHOTO/ KRA