Undercover detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have successfully intercepted a drug trafficker attempting to smuggle 1080 grams of cocaine into Kenya. The suspect, Bioma Alice Gbassay from Sierra Leone, was arrested upon her arrival in Kenya en route to Mumbai.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released a statement detailing the arrest and the meticulous efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Unit. “The suspect, Bioma Alice Gbassay from Sierra Leone, thought she could slip through security checks but our vigilant team of detectives caught her right in the act. Upon her arrival in Kenya en route to Mumbai, Bioma was escorted to the immigration offices where her luggage was picked up from the baggage hall and was taken to the Anti-narcotics office,” the statement read.
Upon thorough examination of her body and luggage, detectives uncovered suspected narcotic drugs concealed in various places. “From her inner garments, a whitish substance wrapped with clear tape was recovered. Further, two slabs of dove soap concealing a suspicious powdery substance were also recovered in her luggage,” the statement elaborated. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed cocaine.
This successful interception highlights the heightened vigilance and effectiveness of the Anti-Narcotics Unit at JKIA. The unit’s ability to identify and apprehend drug traffickers at the airport plays a crucial role in combating the illegal drug trade in Kenya and beyond.
In a related development, law enforcement officers responded to a distress call from the manager of Promise Bus Services, which operates on the Malaba-Nairobi route. The manager reported a passenger exhibiting suspicious behavior aboard a bus with registration number KBY 156K. Acting swiftly, the officers conducted a search for a parcel belonging to Emmanuel Erony, who had boarded the bus to Nairobi.
Inside the parcel, officers discovered 19 large stones of suspected narcotics wrapped in yellow cello tape. Further investigation revealed that these stones contained cannabis sativa, weighing 19,810 grams and with an estimated street value of Kshs 990,500.
The apprehension of Emmanuel Erony adds another layer of success to the ongoing efforts of Kenyan law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking. Both suspects, Bioma Alice Gbassay and Emmanuel Erony, have been processed for arraignment and will face the full force of the law.
The concerted efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Unit at JKIA and the quick response by law enforcement officers to the suspicious activities on the Malaba-Nairobi bus route underscore Kenya’s commitment to tackling the drug menace. These operations not only prevent the distribution of dangerous substances within the country but also send a strong message to potential traffickers about the risks they face.
Drug trafficking remains a significant challenge worldwide, with traffickers constantly seeking new methods to smuggle illicit substances. The recent interceptions at JKIA and on the Nairobi-Malaba bus route reflect the ongoing adaptation and innovation of law enforcement agencies in response to these evolving threats.
The arrests of Bioma Alice Gbassay and Emmanuel Erony serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking. As law enforcement agencies continue to enhance their capabilities and strategies, the hope is that such operations will deter future traffickers and contribute to a safer society.
The Kenyan authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the collective effort required to combat the illegal drug trade.
