The woman, identified as Muli Ayan Ndunge, was intercepted shortly after landing, following what authorities described as precise intelligence.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the operation began moments after passengers from the Ethiopia flight started walking toward the baggage area.
Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) officers were already positioned and waiting for the suspect, guided by intelligence reports that indicated she might be carrying drugs.
Before she reached the baggage section, detectives quietly stopped her and escorted her to the ANU offices located inside the airport.
At first, the process appeared like a routine check, but officers planned to observe her closely to confirm their suspicions.
During the observation period, the woman began to show signs that she had ingested drug pellets.
Within a short time, she started excreting the packets in the presence of detectives. The officers counted 14 pellets in the first round, all of which were confirmed to contain cocaine.
The detectives suspected there were more pellets in her stomach, so they continued to monitor her. After some time, she expelled another 14 pellets, bringing the total number to 28 pellets.
According to investigators, the combined weight of the narcotics was 912.74 grams, with an estimated street value of KSh 3,650,960.
To ensure there were no more pellets inside her body, officers took her for a medical scan. The X-ray showed that her digestive system was clear, confirming that the 28 pellets were the only ones she had ingested.
The DCI said the scan marked the final step of the operation, giving detectives a complete picture of the smuggling attempt.
The woman was immediately placed in custody, and investigators have begun preparing charges against her.
Authorities say she is likely to face drug trafficking charges, which carry heavy penalties under Kenyan law.
The DCI expressed concern that drug smugglers continue to use dangerous methods to move narcotics through regional airports.
Officers warned that swallowing pellets is not only illegal but also extremely risky. Many drug couriers around the world have suffered serious medical complications or even died after pellets burst inside their bodies.
This latest arrest adds to a series of similar cases recorded at JKIA. In October, a 41-year-old Nairobi woman, Anna Nekesa Kisaka, was arrested moments before boarding a flight to Dubai.
She had allegedly swallowed three cocaine pellets in an attempt to evade airport security. After further scanning and medical checks, she was placed under supervision until she expelled the pellets, confirming the smuggling attempt.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit says drug cartels continue to target East African routes, especially flights moving between Africa and the Middle East.
Detectives believe some smugglers are recruited with promises of quick money, despite the high danger and strict legal consequences.
Authorities are urging the public to help by sharing information that may prevent drug trafficking.
They say community reports have played an important role in stopping several cases, and they hope more Kenyans will speak out to protect the country from the illegal drug trade.
Ndunge remains in police custody as investigators finalize their report and prepare her for court.
The DCI says it will continue observing airport routes carefully to stop smugglers before the drugs reach Kenyan streets.
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