JKIA cleaner arrested carrying bags containing 52 phones, three drones

• According to KRA, the employee attempted to flee after noticing the officers but was intercepted for questioning.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepts 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after a passenger allegedly attempted to bypass Customs checks by handing two bags to an airport cleaner.

Customs officers intercepted the items during the clearance of arriving passengers when they spotted the cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal.

According to KRA, the employee attempted to flee after noticing the officers but was intercepted for questioning.

"During interrogation, the airport employee told the officers that a female passenger had handed her the two bags and requested her to take them through Customs. The officers subsequently subjected the backpacks to screening using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of drones and assorted mobile phones," said KRA in a statement on Saturday.

"Following the discovery, Customs officers traced the female passenger, who had arrived in the country aboard an international flight. The passenger confirmed that she had handed the two backpacks to the airport worker while using the restrooms."

A physical inspection conducted in the presence of both the passenger and the employee established that the bags contained 52 refurbished mobile phones, three drones, controllers, batteries and other accessories.

The recovered equipment included two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones and one DJI Air 25 drone, alongside their respective controllers, batteries and accessories. The bags also contained phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects.

The seized items were secured and transferred to the Customs warehouse pending further action.

KRA said it was strengthening the use of technology and risk-based screening to facilitate legitimate travel and trade while addressing attempts to circumvent Customs controls.

KRA also reminded travellers and importers that drone imports into Kenya are restricted and require the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

It urged travellers to establish and comply with applicable regulatory requirements before bringing drones into the country.