NDLEA Dismantles International Cocaine Syndicate, Arrests Social Media Influencer in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel operating across South America, Nigeria, Europe, and Asia, recovering 184.50 kilograms of cocaine valued at N39 billion.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.) revealed that the operation began following the interception of the drug consignment concealed within a courier logistics facility in Lagos marking the largest cocaine recovery made through a courier firm in the country. A Special Investigation Team subsequently traced the network, leading to the arrest of key suspects, including a logistics firm employee, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, who allegedly facilitated shipments to the UK, Europe, and Asia.

The agency also apprehended the alleged Nigerian coordinator of the syndicate, social media influencer and luxury goods dealer Afolabi Kazeem Michael, known online as “KC Luxury.” Afolabi was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 13 while attempting to board a flight to Paris. Operatives recovered foreign currency and jewelry from his person, while a subsequent search of his Banana Island residence yielded exotic vehicles.

Marwa noted that the cartel utilized false identities, financial facilitators, and international contacts, with related arrests executed concurrently by UK authorities. He emphasized that the operation demonstrates the agency’s expanding capacity to monitor and intercept illicit drug traffic across courier channels, air transport, and luxury estates.