The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel operating Nigeria as a transit hub to the UK, Europe and Asia.NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the operation followed the seizure of 184.5kg of cocaine worth an estimated N39 billion concealed in a courier consignment in Lagos.Investigations led to the arrest of Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a logistics company staff member, and Afolabi Kazeem Michael, aka “KC Luxury,” identified as the cartel’s Nigerian arrowhead. Michael was arrested on August 13 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport while attempting to flee to Paris.NDLEA recovered €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000, expensive jewellery and exotic vehicles from his Banana Island residence. British authorities also arrested other members of the syndicate.Marwa said the operation demonstrates the agency’s ability to track drug traffickers regardless of whether they operate through courier firms, luxury residences, forests, ports or airports, warning that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for international drug trafficking.
