A Kenyan woman has been sentenced to 50 years in prison by a Thai court after being found guilty of drug trafficking. Authorities in Thailand arrested the woman, identified as 36-year-old Mary Achieng, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok with over two kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage.
According to Thai officials, Achieng had traveled from Nairobi to Bangkok via Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, customs officers conducted a routine check, leading to the discovery of the illicit drugs hidden in compartments within her suitcase. She was immediately taken into custody and later charged with possession and trafficking of a controlled substance.
During her trial, Achieng pleaded for leniency, claiming she had been duped into carrying the package by a Nigerian acquaintance who promised her a lucrative business deal. However, the court ruled that the evidence against her was overwhelming, leading to her conviction and subsequent 50-year jail sentence.
The Kenyan embassy in Thailand confirmed the sentencing, stating that they were providing consular support to Achieng and monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya has warned citizens against falling victim to international drug trafficking syndicates, urging travelers to remain vigilant when approached with suspicious offers.
Thailand is known for its stringent drug laws, with severe penalties for trafficking offenses, including the death penalty in some cases. In recent years, several Kenyan nationals have been arrested in Asian countries for drug-related crimes, raising concerns about the growing trend of drug couriers being used to smuggle narcotics across borders.
Kenyan authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating drug trafficking and urged travelers to adhere to international regulations to avoid falling afoul of the law. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continues to collaborate with foreign agencies to crack down on drug networks operating in and outside Kenya.
Achieng now joins a growing list of Kenyans serving lengthy sentences in foreign prisons for drug-related crimes, a stark reminder of the risks associated with engaging in illicit activities abroad.
