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Kenyan Woman Unsettling Encounter as a Suspected Drug Mule on a US Flight
The quality of in-flight meals leaves much to be desired, and there are instances where passengers may feel compelled to decline them.
It is within their rights to do so. However, it is important to note that refusing meals can potentially raise concerns among flight attendants, who may then suspect the passenger of being involved in drug smuggling. This very situation occurred to a Kenyan traveller named Savane during her journey to the United States. Savane shared her experience, highlighting the consequences of refusing meals on board.
Flight attendants are trained to closely observe passenger behaviour as a primary means of identifying potential drug mules. They continually inquire to validate their suspicions, as consuming food or drinks could cause movement within the digestive system that could lead to the drugs being disposed of in the aircraft’s restroom. For Savane, this scenario unfolded during a long-haul flight with Air France. In general, she is not fond of airline cuisine and therefore rarely eats during her travels.
On this particular trip, her lack of appetite was because she was returning from a close friend’s funeral. The profound grief she experienced had completely diminished her desire to eat. Despite the flight attendants constantly checking if she wanted to eat, she declined each time. The immigration officer at JFK Airport asked numerous unsettling questions. Upon entering Customs she was met by three officers. They thoroughly searched and x-rayed her bags. Subsequently, she was taken into a separate room for further interrogation.
After being patted down, they expressed a desire to conduct an internal body check. It was at this point that she inquired about the reason, only to be informed that her behaviour during the flight matched that of a drug smuggler. She put out a tearful outburst regarding her short trip (to attend a funeral). Ultimately, they did not proceed with an internal body search.