Drug Trafficker’s Vanishing Act Foiled at JKIA
However, just as airport officers began inspecting his luggage, Wong executed a “fake phone call” ruse in an apparent bid to evade detection.
A 57-year-old alleged drug trafficker Wong Hiu Fung. Photo/DCI.
By Robert Assad
A 57-year-old drug trafficker’s attempt to escape from authorities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was foiled after he tried to pull off a vanishing act shortly after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand.
Wong Hiu Fung, who had cleared immigration smoothly upon his arrival, collected his two large suitcases from the baggage claim and proceeded to the customs screening zone.
However, just as airport officers began inspecting his luggage, Wong executed a “fake phone call” ruse in an apparent bid to evade detection. He swiftly disappeared, leaving behind his suspiciously heavy bags.
Upon investigating the abandoned luggage, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit made a startling discovery: 41 sachets of cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 41.7 kilograms.
The drugs had been meticulously concealed in the suitcases, but the trafficker’s attempt to outsmart the officers was unsuccessful. The trained eyes of JKIA’s customs and security teams quickly identified the hidden narcotics.
Despite his escape, Wong’s freedom was short-lived. Anti-narcotics detectives traced him to a hotel in South C, where they apprehended him. He was arrested and brought back to the JKIA Police Station for processing. Wong is currently in custody and is expected to face charges in court soon.
The arrest marks a significant success for authorities in their ongoing fight against drug trafficking in the country. With the growing sophistication of smuggling tactics, the swift and coordinated response by airport security highlights the effectiveness of their operations in curbing the illegal drug trade.
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