A Kenyan woman was on Friday, January 19 arrested in India after she was accused of smuggling cocaine into the Asian country.
The 36-year-old, who was allegedly found with cocaine worth Ksh506 million (Rs 26 crores), was apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday 15, January.
According to a report released by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the woman was flying from Nairobi to New Delhi with a tourist visa.
Inspection officials, however, upon noticing some suspicious behaviour, flagged her for questioning. Upon inspection, they found a false bottom in the bag that she was travelling with.
The inspection officials uncovered a white powder weighing 2.5kg prompting them to investigate its content.
Subsequent tests ascertained that the product was cocaine, packed in a plastic cover and wrapped in duct tape.
The woman was taken under custody as the officers launched further investigations into the matter, suspecting that she may be part of an international drug ring.
"The accused was sourcing the drugs from her contact within the country and was working as a mule trying to hand over the consignment."
"Further investigations are on to ascertain the source of drugs and her contacts," DRI officials stated.
After investigations are concluded, the Kenyan national will be charged under India's provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, of 1985.
"The Act consolidated and amended the law relating to narcotic drugs, to make stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to illegal substances and psychotropic substances.
On December 30, another female Kenyan passenger was arrested with cocaine worth Ksh8 million after arriving in India from Addis Ababa. The narcotic substances were hidden within a consignment of whiskey bottles.
