NDLEA seizes cocaine worth N39bn, arrests two suspected cartel members

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive cocaine shipment, seizing 184.5 kilograms valued at approximately N39 billion (about $27.7 million). The agency announced the seizure and the arrest of two individuals allegedly linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate. NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa called the operation one of the agency's most significant investigations, noting it was the largest cocaine interception via a courier channel in its history. The drugs were intercepted in Lagos while being processed for export through a courier logistics company. The investigation revealed a network using Nigeria as a transit hub for cocaine moving from South America to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. Marwa directed a special team to trace the entire network, including masterminds, not just couriers. The investigation led to the arrest of Afolabi Kazeem Michael, known as KC Luxury, identified as the Nigerian "arrowhead" of the cartel. Michael, who publicly presented himself as a businessman and social media influencer, was arrested at Lagos airport on August 13 while attempting to fly to Paris. Authorities recovered significant cash and jewelry from him, and further searches of his assets uncovered luxury vehicles and other valuables. The second suspect, Lawal Kehinde, an employee of a logistics company, was also apprehended. Marwa confirmed that some members of the syndicate have been arrested abroad by international counterparts, indicating the transnational nature of the operation.

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Given the scale and sophistication of this seizure, I immediately directed the constitution of a special investigation team with a clear mandate to trace every mind and hand that touched this consignment and bring the entire network, not just the couriers, but the masterminds, to justice.