The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs Officers on Tuesday cracked a gold smuggling syndicate at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
KRA said in a statement said that its officers at JKIA intercepted a group of approximately 30 female Kenyan travellers who were departing from Nairobi to Mumbai, India through Doha.
A body search on the women by the multi-agency team found 15 of them carrying 4.88 kilogrammes of undeclared gold and jewellery worth Sh31 million.
The suspects are directly associated with another smuggling attempt foiled in India involving three female travellers two months ago.
The trio was intercepted entering Mumbai with approximately one kg of gold on August 19, 2021.
The 15 women who were on board the flight were asked to cancel the flight to allow for further investigations.
The intercepted gold and jewellery has been deposited in the Customs warehouse.
KRA noted that passengers are required by law to declare all cargo/items at the Ports of entry and exit.
“Our officers will continue to do their job and we urge passengers to declare what they have,” Commissioner of Customs and border control Ms Lilian Nyawanda said.
