NAIROBI, Kenya –A U.S. state government contractor has admitted in court to attempting to smuggle cocaine out of Kenya by swallowing four drug pellets before his flight.
Jarod Tyler Roberts, who resides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, told a Kenyan court that he purchased the drugs for personal use while on holiday but later decided to take the remaining pellets back with him.
His plan unraveled when he panicked at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and was forced to seek medical assistance.
Roberts, a frequent visitor to Kenya with a five-year visa issued in 2024, arrived in the country on February 13 for a short stay.
According to a social inquiry report presented in court, he has visited Kenya more than ten times, citing Nairobi’s vibrant social scene and casino games—banned in Saudi Arabia—as key attractions.
On February 16, just before his departure, Roberts realized he had leftover cocaine and attempted to smuggle it by swallowing the pellets.
He had individually wrapped them in latex gloves, double-knotting them to prevent leakage.
While at JKIA’s central screening area, security officers became suspicious when he pretended to chew something.
In a panic, he swallowed the pellets entirely. Since an initial search yielded nothing, he was allowed to proceed to the Business Class Lounge.
Once in the lounge, Roberts tried to induce vomiting but failed.
Realizing the potential health risk, he missed his flight and sought medical help.
Unable to receive adequate care at a small clinic, he called a Kenyan friend who rushed him to M.P. Shah Hospital.
There, Roberts informed doctors about the swallowed drugs and was admitted.
Shortly afterward, police arrived, placing him under observation.
Medical personnel retrieved three of the pellets through an endoscopy procedure, while the fourth was expelled naturally.
Legal Battle and Plea Bargain
In court, Roberts expressed deep remorse, pleading for leniency and arguing that imprisonment could severely impact his career.
His parents, particularly his father, have also pleaded on his behalf, insisting he is not a habitual drug user but made a reckless decision.
Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, Roberts has entered a plea bargain with the state, though details are still being finalized. The case is set to be mentioned next Wednesday.
