The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that allegedly used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia.
The agency also arrested the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the syndicate, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as “KC Luxury”, as he attempted to leave the country. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed the details while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.
Marwa described the operation as one of the most significant narcotics investigations in recent times. It led to the seizure of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine, the largest quantity intercepted through a courier company in Nigeria. The cartel had hoped to realise as much as N39 billion from the consignment through its international distribution network. The operation began with the interception of the drugs concealed for export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. A Special Investigation Team was then constituted to trace the network from couriers to masterminds.
Working with the courier company, operatives identified intermediary companies and individuals. Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a staff member of the logistics firm, was found to have a sustained relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator, packaging and routing consignments in exchange for cash. Investigations identified Afolabi as the Nigerian arrowhead. Presenting himself as a social media influencer and luxury goods dealer in gold and jewellery, he allegedly used that image to mask a pipeline running from South America through Nigeria to Europe and Asia.
Afolabi was arrested on 13 August 2026 at the boarding gate of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as he prepared to board a business-class flight to Paris. He was found with foreign and local currency and expensive jewellery. A search of his Banana Island apartment recovered exotic vehicles. The cartel allegedly used false identities and financial facilitators, and maintained contacts in the UK, some of whom have been arrested by British authorities.
Marwa linked the operation to recent successes against other transnational networks and warned that traffickers can no longer hide behind luxury lifestyles, forests, ports or courier companies. The shift from seaports and airports to logistics channels reflects intensified scrutiny at traditional entry points. The agency’s claim is that its reach now extends across those alternative routes as well.
