NDLEA BUSTS ALLEGED COCAINE CARTEL, ARRESTS KC LUXURY IN LAGOS

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled an alleged international cocaine trafficking cartel and arrested a Nigerian suspect identified by the agency as one of the key figures in the network.

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

According to the NDLEA, the investigation began after operatives intercepted 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in a consignment being processed for export through a courier logistics company in Lagos. The agency described the seizure as its largest cocaine interception through a courier channel.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the investigation was expanded to trace the wider network behind the shipment, including couriers and alleged masterminds.

The agency said the consignment had an estimated street value of about ₦39 billion and was allegedly intended for distribution through an international network involving the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.

The NDLEA also arrested another suspect, identified as Lawal Kehinde, an employee of a logistics company, in connection with the investigation.

The agency said its investigation indicated that KC Luxury allegedly used his public image as a luxury goods dealer and social media personality to conceal his involvement in the suspected trafficking network.

The arrests form part of the NDLEA’s wider efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria.

The agency said investigations are continuing to uncover other individuals and networks connected to the seized consignment.

Authorities reiterated that suspects remain subject to due process as investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings continue.