KRA Seizes 52 Phones, 3 Drones at JKIA After Cleaner Is Stopped

Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones after stopping an airport cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she left the terminal.

In an official statement released on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) confirmed that the seizure took place during routine clearance of arriving international passengers.

The airport worker attempted to flee after spotting Customs officers, but security personnel quickly intercepted her for questioning.

“Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 52 refurbished assorted mobile phones and three drones at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in an operation that highlights the critical role of baggage-scanning technology in detecting goods suspected of being smuggled into the country,” KRA said.

“The interception occurred during the clearance of arriving passengers at the airport when Customs officers noticed an airport employee, specifically a cleaner, carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal.”

During interrogation, the cleaner explained that an arriving female passenger handed her the two backpacks and requested that she transport them past Customs screening points.

Scanning Technology Exposes Smuggled Electronics

Customs officials immediately subjected the backpacks to advanced scanning procedures to verify their contents.

“The officers subsequently subjected the backpacks to screening using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of drones and assorted mobile phones,” KRA added.

Following the scan, officers traced the female traveler through the terminal. The passenger admitted to handing the backpacks to the cleaner inside the airport restrooms.

Travel record checks revealed that the woman was a frequent traveler. Officers then performed a physical inspection of the bags in the presence of both suspects.

The search yielded 52 refurbished smartphones and three drones, along with controllers, power batteries, and related accessories. Among the confiscated aerial gear were two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones with two controllers and batteries, as well as a DJI Air 2S unit complete with its controller and accessories. The bags also contained chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors, and personal items.

KRA Issues Warning on Restricted Drone Imports

The revenue authority secured all seized items and deposited them into the airport customs warehouse pending legal proceedings.

KRA pointed out that the successful operation underscores the growing power of risk-based intelligence and modern baggage scanners in protecting national borders and securing tax revenues.

Additionally, the tax agency issued a reminder regarding regulatory compliance for unmanned aerial vehicles. The authority cautioned that drones remain subject to strict import restrictions and require prior clearance from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Travelers must verify and fulfill all statutory import permits before attempting to bring restricted electronics into Kenya.

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