NDLEA busts cocaine cartel, arrests social media influencer KC Luxury in Lagos

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major international cocaine trafficking cartel that used the country as a transit point for drugs destined for the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. The operation culminated in the arrest of Afolabi Michael, a social media influencer and luxury goods dealer known online as "KC Luxury," who is believed to be the cartel's Nigerian coordinator.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.), described the bust as one of the agency's most significant narcotics investigations. The operation began with the interception of a large consignment of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a shipment processed through a courier logistics company in Lagos. This seizure represents the largest cocaine haul ever made through a courier company in Nigeria.

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The operation began with the interception of a consignment of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. Given the scale of the seizure. I immediately directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team, with a mandate to trace the entire network behind the shipment, from the couriers to the masterminds.

Following the initial interception, Marwa directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team to trace the entire network, from the couriers to the masterminds. The cartel was reportedly aiming to profit up to N39 billion from this single consignment. The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the courier company, uncovered a network of intermediary companies and individuals involved in processing the illicit drugs.

Two key suspects were apprehended. Lawal Mujab Kehinde, an employee of the logistics firm, was found to have direct ties to the cartel's coordinator, packaging and routing shipments. Afolabi Michael, "KC Luxury," used his public image as a social media influencer and businessman dealing in high-end goods to mask his role as the cartel's Nigerian arrowhead, facilitating the movement of cocaine from South America through Nigeria.

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The cartel was hoping to realise as much as N39 billion from the consignment through their international distribution network.