The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after customs officers stopped an airport cleaner carrying two backpacks that a passenger had allegedly asked her to take through customs.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, KRA said the interception happened during the clearance of arriving passengers.
“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,” the authority said.
KRA said the cleaner tried to flee after noticing the officers but was intercepted and taken for questioning.
Scanner revealed the goods
During questioning, the cleaner told officers that a female passenger had handed her the two bags and asked her to take them through customs, according to the authority.
“The officers subsequently subjected the backpacks to screening using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of drones and assorted mobile phones,” KRA said.
Officers then traced the passenger, who had arrived on an international flight. She confirmed that she had handed the bags to the cleaner while she used the airport washrooms.
“A further review of the passenger’s travel documents established that she was a frequent traveller. Customs officers proceeded to conduct a physical verification of the contents of the bags in the presence of both the passenger and the airport worker,” the authority said.
What was found
The search established that the backpacks contained 52 assorted refurbished mobile phones and three drones, together with controllers, batteries and accessories.
KRA identified two of the drones as DJI Mini 3 Pro units, packed with two controllers and two batteries. The third was a DJI Air 2S drone, accompanied by its controller, battery and accessories.
“Other items included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects,” the statement said.
The goods have been secured and deposited at the customs warehouse pending further action. KRA did not give a value for the seized items or say whether anyone had been charged.
Drone imports need KCAA approval
The authority used the seizure to remind travellers of the rules on bringing drones into the country.
“The importation of drones into Kenya is restricted and requires the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),” KRA said.
“Travellers and importers are therefore required to establish and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements before bringing drones into the country,” it added.
KRA credited the interception to scanning equipment at the airport and said it was widening the use of technology at entry points.
“The latest interception also demonstrates the importance of vigilance among customs officers and the need to ensure that all goods brought into the country comply with applicable import requirements,” the authority said.
“KRA continues to strengthen its use of technology and risk-based passenger screening to facilitate legitimate travel and trade while addressing attempts to circumvent Customs controls,” it said.
The authority said it remained committed to safeguarding government revenue, protecting the country’s borders and facilitating compliant passenger movement through technology, intelligence and enforcement.
JKIA is the country’s main international gateway, and customs officers at the airport clear arriving passengers and their luggage before they exit the terminal.
