NDLEA Dismantles Major Cocaine Trafficking Cartel

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel using Nigeria as a transit hub to Europe and Asia, arresting its Nigerian coordinator during an attempted departure from the country. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the operation in Lagos as one of the agency’s most significant narcotics investigations in recent years, resulting in the largest cocaine seizure at a courier company in Nigeria, totaling 184.50 kilograms.

The investigation began after NDLEA officers intercepted the cocaine concealed in a consignment for export. A Special Investigation Team was formed to trace the network behind the shipment, leading to the arrest of two key suspects: Lawal Mujab Kehinde, who processed the shipment, and Afolabi Kazeem Michael, the cartel's Nigerian coordinator.

Afolabi attempted to flee Nigeria with cash and luxury items. The cartel utilized false identities and financial facilitators, with connections to criminal contacts in the UK.