The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a man it identified as the Nigerian coordinator of an international cocaine trafficking network, after intercepting 184.50 kilograms of cocaine in Lagos.
The agency said the cocaine was discovered in a consignment being processed through a courier logistics channel for onward shipment outside Nigeria. According to NDLEA, the drugs could have generated as much as ₦39 billion for the cartel if successfully distributed.
The seizure prompted a wider investigation into the people and companies involved in the shipment. NDLEA said the investigation led to the arrest of two key suspects, including a staff member of the logistics company through which the consignment was processed.
The second suspect, identified as Afolabi Kazeem Michael, also known as “KC Luxury,” was described by the agency as the Nigerian arrowhead of the cartel. NDLEA said he presented himself publicly as a luxury goods dealer and social media influencer while allegedly coordinating cocaine trafficking activities.
According to the agency, Michael was arrested on August 13 at the boarding gate of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after intelligence indicated that he was preparing to leave Nigeria on a business-class flight to Paris.
NDLEA said he was found with €7,750, £2,800 and ₦100,000 in cash, alongside expensive jewellery. A search of his luxury apartment in Banana Island, Lagos, also reportedly led to the recovery of exotic vehicles.
The agency said investigations indicate that the cartel moved cocaine from South America through Nigeria to destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Some members of the network in the United Kingdom have also reportedly been arrested in connection with the investigation.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the case highlights a growing attempt by drug trafficking organisations to use courier and logistics companies as alternative routes for moving narcotics across international borders.
The agency said the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover other individuals and financial facilitators linked to the network.
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