A Thai national was Wednesday sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment by a magistrate at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for trafficking narcotic drugs.
Netima Ngamsap was charged and found guilty of trafficking 2,092 grams of cocaine valued at Sh8,368,000.
The court heard that the drugs were concealed in a false bottom of a grey suitcase, contrary to the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Prosecution, led by John Tago, presented 11 witnesses whose testimonies provided cogent and consistent evidence linking the accused to the offence.
During the trial, the accused was represented by defence counsel and was accorded the services of a professional Thai interpreter to ensure a fair hearing.
Upon conviction and sentencing, Senior Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi informed the accused of his right to appeal against both conviction and sentence within 14 days.
This is the latest win in the war on drug trafficking in the country. Officials have enhanced operations targeting the crime by among others opening special courts dedicated to the issue.
The agencies involved in the operations have been informed to present the suspects to court without delay and use of the official charge sheets.
As part of efforts to enhance the new operations, Chief Justice Martha Koome on January 15, 2026 gazetted and designated four courts as Special Magistrates Courts to hear and determine cases of possession and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with municipal and internal dimensions.
The courts include Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Magistrates’ Court, Kahawa Magistrates’ Court, Mombasa Magistrates’ Court and Busia Magistrates’ Court.
This meant the jurisdiction of the courts is where the menace is rampant.
President William Ruto announced plans for the establishment of a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with capabilities comparable to the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.
A multi-agency team was also established and directed to commence work immediately to coordinate a nationwide crackdown on the distribution of illicit ethanol and drugs.
The county governments were asked to establish at least one rehabilitation centre in every county to support the recovery and reintegration of individuals affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
ANU’s personnel will be expanded from 200 to 700 officers and equipped with modern surveillance, intelligence, forensic, and financial investigation tools to target high-level drug traffickers and illicit alcohol networks, Ruto said.
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