The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel using Nigeria as a transit point to the UK, Europe and Asia, and arrested its Nigerian arrowhead while he tried to flee. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said operatives intercepted 184.50kg of cocaine concealed for export through a courier company in Lagos — the agency’s largest cocaine seizure from a courier channel. The consignment had an estimated street value of N39 billion.
Marwa told journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, that a Special Investigation Team traced the network from the courier to the masterminds. Two key suspects were arrested: Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a logistics firm staff alleged to have processed consignments for the syndicate, and Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury.” The social media influencer and luxury goods dealer was picked up on August 13 at the boarding gate of Murtala Muhammed International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Paris. He was found with €7,750, £2,800, ₦100,000 and luxury jewelry. A search of his Banana Island, Ikoyi apartment also yielded exotic vehicles. Marwa said the cartel used false identities and financial facilitators, and maintained contacts in the UK where some members have also been arrested.
The NDLEA chief linked the operation to recent busts of a Switzerland-based drug cartel and two Nigerian-Mexican meth syndicates in Ogun and Oyo. He warned of a shift by traffickers from seaports and airports to courier firms, saying the agency can police every route. “To those hiding behind luxury brands and social media while trafficking poison, we will find you,” Marwa stated. He credited the success to international cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to protect Nigerian youths and stop the country from being used as a drug conduit.
