A U.S. national’s drug smuggling attempt ended in a Nairobi hospital after ingested cocaine pellets caused serious abdominal complications. The suspect, Jarod Tyler Roberts, had swallowed multiple pellets in a bid to traffic cocaine from Alabama, USA, to Saudi Arabia, using Kenya as a transit point.
Roberts was rushed to the hospital by a friend on Sunday, February 16, after experiencing severe abdominal pain and symptoms of drug intoxication. Suspicious of drug ingestion, medical staff admitted him for further examination.
Cocaine Pellets Retrieved, More Stuck
Today, a doctor at the facility alerted anti-narcotics detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, prompting an immediate response. Officers arrived in time to witness an endoscopy procedure, leading to the recovery of three cocaine pellets from the suspect’s rectum. The 57.98 gram ofs of cocaine were tested, confirmed, and documented as evidence.
Doctors have confirmed that another pellet remains lodged in Roberts’ small intestines, and medical intervention is underway to remove it.
“The suspect is receiving medical attention, but once stable, he will face the full force of the law,” said a senior DCI detective. “Kenya remains vigilant in combating international drug trafficking, and this case highlights the risks traffickers take.”
Airbnb Stay, Flight Plans Disrupted
Investigations have revealed that Roberts had been temporarily staying at an Airbnb in Nairobi’s Westlands area. He was scheduled to board Ethiopian Airlines at 1800 hours on Sunday, with a planned route to Saudi Arabia via Addis Ababa.
Authorities have confiscated his travel and personal documents, ensuring he remains in custody as he recovers.
“Drug couriers often underestimate the risks, but Kenya has sophisticated detection and enforcement mechanisms,” remarked a senior anti-narcotics officer. “We are working closely with international agencies to dismantle such networks.”
A hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the medical team’s full cooperation with law enforcement.
“Our priority is the suspect’s health, but we are ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.”
Crackdown on International Drug Smuggling
Kenyan authorities have stepped up their fight against international drug cartels, with Nairobi increasingly being used as a transit hub. Roberts now faces serious narcotics trafficking charges, with law enforcement vowing to intensify crackdowns on traffickers using Kenya as a drug route.
This case underscores the dangers of body-packing, a desperate smuggling method that has led to fatal drug overdoses in the past.
Roberts will remain under tight security until he is deemed fit to face the law.
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