Foreign National Jailed 27 Years for Drug Trafficking at JKIA

A Thai national has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of trafficking cocaine through Kenya’s main international airport, in a case prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Irene Gichobi, sitting at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts, convicted Netima Ngamsap for trafficking 2,092 grams of cocaine valued at Ksh 8,368,000.

The court heard that the narcotics were cleverly concealed in the false bottom of a grey suitcase.

The offence was found to be contrary to the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.

Prosecution Presents 11 Witnesses

The prosecution, led by John Tago, called eleven witnesses during the trial.

Their testimonies were described as cogent and consistent, effectively linking the accused to the offence.

According to the ODPP, the evidence presented before the court established that the drugs were recovered from the accused’s luggage at the airport, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

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Fair Trial Safeguards Observed

During the proceedings, the accused was represented by defence counsel and was provided with the services of a professional Thai interpreter to ensure he fully understood the charges and court process.

The court emphasized that the accused was accorded a fair hearing throughout the trial.

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Right to Appeal

Upon conviction and sentencing, Hon. Gichobi informed the accused of his right to appeal against both the conviction and the sentence within 14 days.

The ODPP welcomed the conviction, terming it a firm stance against transnational drug trafficking and a demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to combating narcotics-related crimes.

The case adds to a series of recent prosecutions aimed at curbing the use of Kenya as a transit route for illicit drugs.

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Office headquarters of the ODPP
PHOTO/ODPP-KE