A Kenyan man was apprehended by Indian customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi on January 7, 2025, after attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine into the country. The drugs, valued at approximately KSh 186 million ($1.44 million), were concealed in capsules swallowed by the suspect.
The man, who had arrived from Nairobi on December 17, 2024, aboard an Air India flight, was initially flagged by customs officers due to his suspicious movements upon arrival. Officials noted his unusual gait, which prompted them to monitor his actions closely. After attempting to bypass security by crossing the Green Channel in a hurry, the passenger was intercepted.
During questioning, the suspect confessed to ingesting capsules filled with narcotics. Authorities took immediate action, transferring him to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where a medical procedure was performed to extract the hidden drugs. The suspect excreted 77 capsules containing a total of 822 grams of cocaine.
Cocaine is classified as a banned substance in India, with severe legal penalties for possession and trafficking. The severity of the punishment is dependent on the quantity of the drug in possession. For amounts less than one kilogram, offenders can face up to six months in jail or a fine, but trafficking in commercial quantities can lead to up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.
This arrest highlights the ongoing global efforts to curb drug trafficking and underscores the importance of vigilance at international airports, where illicit activities are often detected. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the smuggling attempt, with the Kenyan national now facing serious charges in India.
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