The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking network allegedly using Nigeria as a transit point for the movement of illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other European countries and parts of Asia.
The agency also announced the arrest of an alleged Nigerian coordinator of the syndicate, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury,” who was reportedly apprehended while attempting to leave the country.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.
Marwa described the operation as one of the agency’s major recent investigations, highlighting the seizure of 184.50 kilogrammes of cocaine, reportedly the largest cocaine consignment intercepted through a courier company in Nigeria.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation reportedly started after NDLEA operatives intercepted a cocaine shipment concealed for international export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos.
Following the seizure, Marwa ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Team to identify everyone connected to the shipment, from those who handled the consignment to the alleged masterminds behind the operation.
According to the agency, the cartel allegedly expected to make up to N39 billion from the shipment through its international distribution network.
Working with the courier company involved, investigators reportedly uncovered a network of companies and individuals allegedly used to facilitate the movement of the drugs.
Two key suspects were subsequently arrested.
One of them, identified as Lawal Mujab Kehinde, was reportedly an employee of the logistics company through which the cocaine shipment was processed. Investigators allegedly found that he had maintained a relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator and had been involved in preparing and routing consignments to the UK, Europe and Asia.
‘KC Luxury’ Arrested at Lagos Airport
The second major suspect identified by the NDLEA was Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury.
The agency alleges that Afolabi operated publicly as a social media influencer and businessman involved in gold, jewellery and luxury goods, while allegedly using that image to conceal his involvement in an international drug trafficking operation.
Marwa said Afolabi was arrested on August 13, 2026, at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The NDLEA said intelligence indicated that he was preparing to leave Nigeria on a business-class flight to Paris.
At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found with €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000, as well as expensive jewellery.
Investigators also searched his luxury apartment in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the agency said exotic vehicles were recovered.
Cartel Allegedly Used False Identities
The NDLEA said further investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly used false identities to conceal the real consignors of drug shipments.
The agency also alleged that financial facilitators were used to move billions of naira connected to the criminal network.
According to Marwa, the cartel also maintained links with individuals in the United Kingdom, some of whom had reportedly been arrested by British authorities in connection with the same network.
The NDLEA said the investigation forms part of its wider efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking organisations operating within and through Nigeria.
Marwa referenced previous operations targeting other transnational networks, including a Switzerland-based cartel and Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicates allegedly operating clandestine laboratories in Ogun and Oyo states.
NDLEA Warns Against Using Luxury Lifestyle as a Cover
Marwa said the latest operation demonstrated that traffickers could no longer assume that luxury lifestyles, courier companies, airports, ports or other locations would provide protection from law enforcement.
He warned individuals who allegedly use social media popularity, expensive possessions and glamorous lifestyles to conceal criminal activities that they would remain under scrutiny.
The NDLEA chief also noted that traffickers were increasingly exploring courier and logistics companies as alternative channels, particularly as surveillance at traditional entry and exit points such as seaports and airports becomes more intensive.
He said the agency would continue to adapt its operations to identify and disrupt emerging trafficking routes.
Marwa further credited international cooperation for the success of the investigation, noting that suspected members of the network were arrested in Nigeria and the United Kingdom around the same period.
He commended the Special Investigation Team and the agency’s international partners for their role in uncovering the alleged network.
The NDLEA chairman reiterated that the agency would continue to pursue drug traffickers regardless of their social status or public image.
