The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking network allegedly using Nigeria as a transit route to the UK, Europe and Asia.
The agency arrested Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury,” who it identified as the alleged Nigerian coordinator of the syndicate. He was reportedly arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 13 while allegedly preparing to fly to Paris.
According to NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa, the investigation began after operatives intercepted 184.50kg of cocaine concealed in a courier shipment in Lagos. The agency described it as the largest cocaine seizure recorded through a courier company in Nigeria.
NDLEA said the consignment could have generated an estimated N39 billion for the cartel through its international distribution network.
Investigators also arrested a logistics company employee, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, who was allegedly involved in processing and routing shipments for the syndicate.
The agency said a search of “KC Luxury’s” apartment in Banana Island, Lagos, led to the recovery of luxury items and exotic vehicles. At the airport, he was allegedly found carrying €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 in cash, alongside expensive jewellery.
According to the NDLEA, the suspected cartel allegedly used fake identities, intermediary companies and financial facilitators to move drugs and money while maintaining links with criminal networks in the UK and other countries.
Marwa said the operation highlights the agency’s growing focus on courier and logistics networks, which drug traffickers allegedly turned to as scrutiny increased at traditional entry and exit points.
He warned that individuals attempting to hide criminal activities behind luxury lifestyles and social media influence would not escape investigation.
The NDLEA said the operation was supported by international cooperation, with suspected members of the same network also reportedly arrested in the United Kingdom.
