In a significant anti-narcotics operation, detectives from Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Sunday apprehended a 57-year-old man allegedly attempting to smuggle 41.7 kilograms of cannabis sativa through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The suspect, identified as Wong Hiu Fung, had arrived at JKIA from Bangkok, Thailand. After clearing immigration, he proceeded to collect his luggage and headed to the customs screening area. However, upon the commencement of a routine inspection, he attempted to evade scrutiny by feigning a phone call and abruptly fleeing the scene, leaving behind two unusually heavy suitcases.

A subsequent search of the abandoned luggage by the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit revealed 41 sachets of cannabis sativa, with a total weight of 41.7 kilograms. Investigators quickly tracked the suspect to a hotel in Nairobi’s South C area, where he was arrested and later transported back to the JKIA police station.

Wong is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue. The DCI has reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and ensuring the safety of Kenya’s borders.