A Thai national has been handed a 27-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of trafficking cocaine valued at over Ksh8.3 million, in a ruling delivered at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts.

In a statement issued on Thursday, February 19, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that Irene Gachobi, the Senior Principal Magistrate convicted Netima Ngamsap of trafficking 2,092 grams of cocaine, which had been hidden in a modified suitcase.

The drugs were discovered concealed within a false bottom of a grey travel bag. This method according to the prosecutors, demonstrated clear intent to evade detection.

During the trial, the prosecution presented testimonies from eleven witnesses, whose accounts were described as consistent and compelling.

The evidence presented established a direct link between the accused and the illicit consignment, leaving little room for doubt regarding culpability. The court noted that the meticulous concealment of the drugs pointed to a deliberate and well-planned trafficking attempt.

To ensure full understanding of the charges and court process, Ngamsap was represented by legal counsel and was assisted by a professional Thai interpreter throughout the proceedings.

After delivering the sentence, the magistrate informed the convict of the right to appeal both the verdict and the punishment within 14-day period.

The conviction comes amid heightened efforts to combat drug trafficking across the country, particularly through major entry points such as airports and seaports.

Law enforcement agencies have raised concerns over the increasing sophisticated methods used by traffickers to move narcotics across borders.

In a related development, the ODPP recently charged eight Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers over alleged involvement in trafficking methamphetamine worth more than Ksh 192 million, at the Mombasa Law Courts.

The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on bond as investigations continue.

According to the prosecutors, the officers were found in possession of varying quantities of the drug and may have divertwd a 35-kilogram consignment previously seized from foreign nationals.

Authorities say that the case highlight the scale, complexity, and evolving nature of drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Kenya’s borders.

The ODPP reiterated on its commitment to pursue crimes related to narcotics and ensure those involved are held fully accountable under the law.