The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after customs officers intercepted two backpacks carried by an airport cleaner.
The seizure was made on Saturday, October 17, during the clearance of arriving passengers when officers noticed the cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal.
According to KRA, the woman attempted to flee after noticing the officers but was stopped and questioned.
She told the customs officers that a female passenger had handed her the bags and asked her to carry them through the customs area.
The officers then screened the backpacks using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed electronic devices inside.
KRA said officers traced the passenger, who had arrived on an international flight, and she confirmed handing over the bags while visiting the airport restrooms.
A review of her travel documents showed that she was a frequent traveller. The officers subsequently searched the bags in the presence of both women.
The inspection uncovered 52 refurbished mobile phones, two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones and one DJI Air 25 drone, together with controllers, batteries, chargers, travel adapters and USB cables.
The authority said the items had been secured at the customs warehouse pending further action.
KRA Issues Warning on Drone Imports
In the wake of the seizure, KRA informed travelers and importers that the importation of drones into Kenya is subject to regulation and requires authorization from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The KCAA advised travelers to familiarize themselves with the requirements and secure the necessary approvals before importing drones into the country.
This latest seizure comes against the backdrop of intensified customs operations at JKIA, where the authorities have been focusing on the seizure of undeclared items imported into the country.
As recently as October 1, KRA seized 40 iPhones worth Ksh8.2 million, which were imported by a traveler from Dubai but not declared.
This latest seizure serves to demonstrate the scrutiny conducted by customs officers at the airport to uncover goods imported into the country in contravention of procedures.
