THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of an alleged international cocaine trafficking cartel, arresting its Nigerian ringleader, a self styled luxury goods dealer and social media influencer, as he attempted to flee to Paris.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) of the NDLES, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), disclosed in a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Marwa described the operation as a major narcotics investigation that yielded 184.50 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of N39 billion, intercepted at a courier company.

According to him, the cartel’s arrowhead, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, known online as ‘KC Luxury,’ disguised his illicit enterprise as a legitimate luxury goods business.

Also arrested was Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a logistics staff member who processed the syndicate’s shipments to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.

Marwa explained that Michael was apprehended on 13 August at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport boarding gate while attempting to board a business class flight to Paris.

Operatives recovered 7,750 euros, 2,800 pounds, and N100,000, alongside expensive jewellery, from the suspect.

A subsequent search of his Banana Island residence led to the seizure of exotic vehicles.

Marwa said “This cartel leader did not walk into our custody voluntarily. Upon credible intelligence that he intended to flee the country, our operatives moved decisively and apprehended him at the boarding gate just as he attempted to escape the reach of the law,” Marwa stated.

The NDLEA boss noted a worrying shift by drug trafficking organisations towards courier and logistics companies mistakenly viewing them as softer targets.

The CCEO also highlighted the international cooperation that led to near simultaneous arrests of cartel members by British authorities.

Warning drug barons, Marwa added “To those who believe they can hide behind luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and social media personas while trafficking poison into our communities this agency will find you.”