NDLEA busts cocaine cartel, arrests social media influencer KC Luxury in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that utilized Nigeria as a transit point for transporting illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. The agency made a significant arrest, apprehending Afolabi Michael, known online as "KC Luxury," who was believed to be the Nigerian leader of the syndicate while he attempted to flee the country.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, announced the operation on Tuesday, revealing that it was one of the most substantial narcotics investigations undertaken by the agency in recent times. The operation commenced with the interception of an 184.50kg cocaine shipment concealed for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos.

The cartel was allegedly aiming to earn up to N39 billion from the consignment through its global distribution network. The investigation led to the arrest of two key suspects: Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a logistics firm employee, and Afolabi Kazeem Michael. Afolabi's arrest was made at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 13, 2026, as he tried to board a flight to Paris.

His arrest also resulted in the seizure of various items including €7,750, £2,800, N100,000 cash, and expensive jewelry. Furthermore, the search of his luxury apartment led to the recovery of exotic vehicles. The NDLEA emphasized that their operation extended to ports, forests, luxury apartments, and departure lounges, indicating that no sanctuary exists for drug traffickers in Nigeria.