NDLEA Seizes N39bn Cocaine, Arrests ‘KC Luxury’ at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an alleged international cocaine trafficking syndicate following the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine worth an estimated N39 billion and the arrest of its suspected Nigerian ringleader.

The suspect, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, also known as ‘KC Luxury’, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to leave the country on a business class flight to Paris.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), disclosed the development on Tuesday in a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Michael, who presented himself as a luxury goods dealer and social media influencer, was allegedly using his legitimate business activities as a cover for cocaine trafficking.

The agency also arrested Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a logistics staff member allegedly responsible for processing shipments linked to the syndicate to destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

Marwa said Michael was apprehended on August 13 at the airport boarding gate following intelligence that he planned to leave Nigeria.

Operatives recovered €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 from the suspect, alongside expensive jewellery.

A search of his residence in Banana Island, Lagos, subsequently led to the seizure of exotic vehicles, the agency said.

Marwa said the arrest followed a coordinated investigation into the alleged activities of the syndicate.

“This cartel leader did not walk into our custody voluntarily. Upon credible intelligence that he intended to flee the country, our operatives moved decisively and apprehended him at the boarding gate just as he attempted to escape the reach of the law,” he said.

The NDLEA boss said the investigation uncovered the use of courier and logistics companies by drug trafficking organisations, which he described as an emerging trend in the illicit drug trade.

He warned that the agency would continue to monitor the logistics chain used by criminal networks to move narcotics across borders.

The operation also involved international cooperation, with British authorities making near-simultaneous arrests of other suspected members of the cartel, according to the NDLEA.

Marwa said the development demonstrated the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in tackling international drug trafficking networks.

He warned individuals involved in the illicit trade against using luxury businesses, expensive lifestyles and social media identities to conceal their activities.

“To those who believe they can hide behind luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and social media personas while trafficking poison into our communities, this agency will find you,” Marwa said.

The NDLEA said investigations into the seized cocaine and the activities of the suspects were continuing.