By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as KC Luxury, over an alleged international cocaine trafficking operation involving a 184.50-kilogramme consignment valued at about ₦39 billion on the international market.
Michael, who allegedly presented himself as a social media influencer and dealer in gold, jewellery and luxury goods, was arrested at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on August 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to flee the country on a business-class flight to Paris.
According to the NDLEA, Michael was linked to a syndicate operating across South America, Nigeria, Europe and Asia.
The investigation reportedly began after NDLEA operatives intercepted 184.50kg of cocaine at a courier facility in Lagos. The consignment was allegedly destined for the United Kingdom.
The agency said investigations by its Special Investigation Team led to the identification of Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a 33-year-old courier company staff member, who allegedly worked as an insider for the syndicate.
Kehinde was accused of using his position to package and facilitate the movement of illicit consignments across borders in exchange for payments.
Further investigation reportedly led operatives to Michael, whose residence in Banana Island, Ikoyi, was allegedly being used as part of the syndicate’s operations.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), disclosed the arrest at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
Marwa said Michael attempted to leave Nigeria after realising that law enforcement authorities were closing in on the syndicate.
“This cartel leader did not walk into our custody voluntarily,” Marwa said.
He added: “On the night of 13th August 2026, upon credible intelligence that he intended to flee the country on a business-class flight to Paris, our operatives moved decisively and apprehended him at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, just as he attempted to escape the reach of the law.”
At the time of his arrest, the NDLEA said Michael was found in possession of €7,750, £2,800, ₦100,000 and designer jewellery.
The arrest formed part of a wider investigation into the alleged transnational drug network, with simultaneous arrests reportedly carried out by British authorities in the United Kingdom.
Marwa said the development reflected a shift in the methods employed by international drug trafficking organisations, which are increasingly exploiting courier and logistics companies to move narcotics across borders.
“In recent times, we have observed a deliberate shift by drug trafficking organisations away from the seaports, where scrutiny has intensified, towards courier and logistics companies, which they have wrongly assumed to be a softer, less monitored channel for moving narcotics across international borders,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman warned that the agency would continue to pursue alleged traffickers regardless of their wealth, social status or preferred method of operation.
“These operations send an unmistakable signal that this Agency’s reach extends into the ports, the forests, the luxury apartments, and the departure lounges alike, and that no sanctuary exists anywhere in Nigeria for those who traffic in poison,” Marwa declared.
The agency said investigations into the syndicate were ongoing, with further arrests and prosecution expected as operatives work to uncover the full network behind the alleged international cocaine trafficking operation.