The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of an international cocaine trafficking cartel that used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving drugs to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. The announcement was made by NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at a press briefing in Lagos.

The Bust

Investigators intercepted 184.50 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a consignment being processed through a courier logistics company in Lagos, bound for export to the UK. Marwa described it as the largest cocaine seizure ever made through a courier company in Nigeria's history, with the cartel's haul estimated to be worth as much as ₦39 billion.

The discovery prompted the NDLEA to form a Special Investigation Team to trace everyone connected to the shipment — from couriers to the network's leadership.

The Arrests

Two suspects were taken into custody:

Lawal Mujab Kehinde — a staff member at the courier logistics firm, allegedly responsible for packaging and routing consignments for the syndicate in exchange for cash payments.

Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as "KC Luxury" — identified by the NDLEA as the Nigerian "arrowhead" of the cartel and its alleged kingpin.

Who Is KC Luxury?

Known for a flashy social media presence built around gold, jewellery, and luxury goods dealings, Michael allegedly used that public image as cover for coordinating a cocaine pipeline stretching from South America, through Nigeria, to the UK, Europe, and Asia.

According to Marwa, Michael attempted to flee the country on the night of August 13, 2026, boarding a business-class flight to Paris. Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives intercepted him at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He was reportedly found carrying €7,750, £2,800, ₦100,000 in cash, and expensive jewellery.

A subsequent search of his luxury apartment on Banana Island, Ikoyi, led to the recovery of several exotic vehicles.

NDLEA's Message

Marwa called the operation one of the agency's most significant narcotics investigations in recent times and warned that individuals using "luxury lifestyles, social media platforms, and business fronts" to disguise criminal enterprises would not escape scrutiny. He added that no courier channel would be spared from investigation going forward.