The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected international cocaine trafficking kingpin and social media influencer popularly known as “KC Luxury” in connection with the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine worth an estimated N39bn in Lagos.
The NDLEA said the arrest followed an investigation into a major international drug trafficking cartel allegedly operating between South America, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
According to the agency, the suspect, who also operates as a businessman in the gold trade, allegedly coordinated the Nigerian arm of the cartel and supervised the movement of cocaine into the country for onward distribution abroad.
The suspect was arrested on August 13 at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to flee the country to Paris.
The NDLEA said his arrest came after operatives intercepted 184.5kg of cocaine at a logistics company in Lagos, with the drugs estimated to have a street value of about N39bn.
Investigators subsequently traced the consignment to the suspected kingpin, who the agency described as an influential figure in the cartel.
The agency said the suspect allegedly used his profile as a social media influencer and businessman to conceal his involvement in international drug trafficking.
Following his arrest, NDLEA operatives searched his luxury apartment on Banana Island, Lagos, where they recovered several exotic vehicles and other valuables.
The agency also said the suspect was found in possession of €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000, as well as expensive jewellery at the time of his arrest.
The NDLEA described the operation as a major breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria.
The agency said investigations had established that the cartel allegedly moved cocaine from South America through Nigeria to destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
The development also highlights the growing use of Nigeria as a transit point by international drug trafficking organisations seeking to move illicit substances to other parts of the world.
The NDLEA said investigations into the cartel were ongoing, adding that more members of the syndicate had been arrested in the United Kingdom.
“The operation represents a major success in international cooperation and the fight against transnational drug trafficking,” the agency said.
The arrest and recovery of the suspected kingpin’s assets, according to the agency, demonstrate the importance of intelligence-sharing and coordinated operations among law enforcement agencies across countries.
The NDLEA said it would continue its investigation into the syndicate and pursue other suspects linked to the trafficking network, as authorities work to dismantle the cartel’s operations and bring those involved to justice.
