Kenyan Woman Arrested in Mumbai Airport With 6 Cocaine Capsules in Stomach

The woman, who had flown from Nairobi to Mumbai, allegedly ingested six drug-filled capsules in a bid to transport the narcotics covertly.

Acting on intelligence, officers from India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted the suspect upon her arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Friday morning.

Despite an initial search of her baggage and clothing yielding no contraband, officials became suspicious and detained her for further questioning.

During interrogation, the woman reportedly confessed to having swallowed six capsules containing narcotics before her flight.

Authorities then obtained legal permission from the Esplanade court to admit her to JJ Hospital, where medical personnel successfully retrieved the pellets from her stomach.

Tests conducted on the contents of the capsules confirmed they held a total of 665.5 grammes of cocaine.

A DRI official involved in the case revealed that investigations are ongoing to trace the recipient of the drugs in Mumbai and uncover any broader connections to international trafficking networks.

“It appears she was a part of a wider drug smuggling racket operating from Kenya,” the official said.

This case mirrors a similar incident that occurred in April, when another Kenyan woman was arrested at the same Mumbai airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at approximately Sh270 million.

In that instance, the suspect had arrived via Doha and was detained after exhibiting signs of nervousness. Authorities found the narcotics concealed in her luggage.

Indian authorities continue to tighten surveillance on international flights amid rising concerns over drug trafficking, especially involving foreign nationals.

Kenyan officials have yet to comment on the arrests or confirm whether investigations are underway in Nairobi.

In India, cocaine is among banned substances and transporting or selling it is illegal.

Penalties for offenders often vary depending on the amount of drugs one is found with.

They include up to six months in jail or a fine when found with less than a kilo to more than 20 years in jail with a fine if found with what authorities can assess as a “commercial quantity.”