NISS Apprehends Ugandan, Other Drug Smugglers at Bole International Airport

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2026 (ENA) — The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) disclosed that a Ugandan national, Stella Mukisa, and other drug smugglers have been apprehended at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.  

In a press statement issued today, NISS said Mukisa attempted to smuggle 500 grams of cocaine.

The illicit substance was seized during a high-vigilance inspection conducted by NISS aviation security experts in collaboration with partner agencies.

The suspect was in transit from Lilongwe, Malawi, to Manila, Philippines, it was learned.

Utilizing advanced detection technology, security personnel successfully uncovered the drug, leading to the immediate custody of Mukisa. The Ethiopian Federal Police Commission's Narcotics Control and Investigation Department has since taken over the case for further examination.

In related operations over consecutive days, aviation security experts intercepted 86 kilograms of dried Khat en route from London to Kenya via Addis Ababa, and an additional 17.5 kilograms of Khat on a flight originating from Milan, Italy, destined for Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The statement further recalled the seizure of over 4 kilograms of cocaine earlier this week at the same airport.

It emphasized that as Ethiopia continues to solidify its position as a primary global transit hub—further bolstered by shifting travel patterns due to regional security dynamics in the Middle East—the NISS remains in a state of heightened readiness.

Authorities are maintaining rigorous surveillance to identify and intercept criminal elements who attempt to exploit the country's connectivity by blending with legitimate travelers.

The successful detection of these illicit materials is attributed to the comprehensive institutional reforms undertaken by the NISS Aviation Security Main Directorate.

The reforms facilitated the integration of cutting-edge technology, specialized human resource capacity building, and the implementation of transparent operational protocols.

The NISS reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these robust enforcement measures to ensure that Bole International Airport remains a hostile environment for international trafficking and illegal transit activities.