On April 1, 2025, Indian customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai apprehended 43-year-old Kenyan national Emily Kanini Rodha for attempting to smuggle approximately 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, valued between Ksh225 million and Ksh300 million (Rs 15 to 20 crores).
Rodha had arrived from Nairobi via Doha and was found carrying the drugs in her luggage. During the examination, customs officers discovered that the trolley bag, which appeared to contain clothes and shoes, was unusually heavy.
Upon further inspection, they found synthetic material affixed to the bottom, concealing the narcotics. Rodha admitted to being aware of the drugs and stated she had been promised Ksh100,000 ($775) for successfully delivering them to an accomplice in Delhi.
Investigators suspect her involvement in a larger drug syndicate operating between Africa and India.