Police in Mombasa have arrested a Somali national at the Moi International Airport, over allegations of smuggling miraa.
Confirming the arrest, Airport police boss John Otieno said the suspect was arrested by detectives at the airport while heading to London.
The suspect identified as Mr Ali Hashim Sharif, was arrested in possession of 7.1 kilograms of miraa.
The miraa was seized concealed in a hand bag and fully sealed.
The police further said that the 35-year-old suspect was arrested when airport security officers got suspicious of the bag.
“When detectives at the screening site opened the bag, they found miraa wrapped in a newspaper and properly packed,” said Otieno.
The police boss added that the suspect might have been operating the business for a period of time between the two countries.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete to face various charges,” said Otieno, as quoted by Baraka FM.