The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that allegedly used Nigeria as a transit point for the distribution of illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), disclosed this following the seizure of 184.5kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of N39 billion, concealed in a courier consignment in Lagos.
According to Marwa, investigations into the shipment led to the arrest of Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a staff member of a logistics company, and Afolabi Kazeem Michael, also known as “KC Luxury”, who was identified as the Nigerian arrowhead of the cartel.
Michael was arrested on August 13 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to flee the country to Paris.
NDLEA operatives subsequently searched his residence in Banana Island, Lagos, where they recovered €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 in cash, alongside expensive jewellery and exotic vehicles.
The agency said the operation also involved international cooperation, with British authorities arresting other suspected members of the syndicate.
Marwa said the successful operation demonstrated the agency’s ability to track and disrupt drug traffickers regardless of the channels and locations they use to conduct their activities.
He said traffickers could operate through courier companies, luxury residences, forests, seaports and airports, but would not be allowed to turn Nigeria into a safe haven for international drug trafficking.
The NDLEA chairman warned that the agency would continue to work with local and international partners to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
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