The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested social media influencer and luxury goods dealer Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury. This is over his alleged involvement in an international cocaine trafficking network.
According to The Punch, the NDLEA identified Michael as the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of a syndicate. The group is accused of moving cocaine from South America through Nigeria to the United Kingdom. In addition, the group moves cocaine to other parts of Europe and Asia.
The agency said the investigation followed the interception of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed for export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the cartel allegedly hoped to generate as much as N39 billion from the consignment. This would be through its international distribution network.
NDLEA traces network after cocaine seizure
Following the interception, Marwa said he ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Team. The team was to identify those involved in processing, financing and moving the shipment.
Investigators subsequently uncovered what the agency described as a network of intermediary companies and individuals allegedly used by the syndicate.
One of those arrested was Lawal Mujab Kehinde. He was an employee of the logistics company through which the cocaine was allegedly processed.
The NDLEA claimed Kehinde had maintained a relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator. He was involved in packaging and routing consignments to the UK, other European countries and Asia.
KC Luxury named alleged Nigerian coordinator
The agency identified Michael as another major suspect in the investigation. They described him as a businessman involved in gold, jewellery and other luxury goods.
NDLEA alleged that the public image he maintained as a luxury dealer and social media influencer was used to conceal his activities in the suspected drug network.
“The second and more prominent suspect is Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as ‘KC Luxury,’ whom investigations identified as the Nigerian arrowhead of the cartel,” Marwa said.
The allegation remains an NDLEA claim, and Michael has not been reported as convicted of the offences.
Arrested while allegedly heading to Paris
Marwa said Michael was arrested on August 13 at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The agency said intelligence indicated that he was preparing to leave Nigeria aboard a business-class flight to Paris when operatives moved in.
According to the NDLEA, officers found €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 in cash in his possession, alongside expensive jewellery.
A subsequent search of an apartment linked to him on Banana Island in Ikoyi also led to the recovery of foreign vehicles, the agency said.
UK links emerge in investigation
The NDLEA further alleged that the syndicate used false identities to conceal the real consignors of shipments. In addition, it relied on financial facilitators to move billions of naira.
Marwa said the network maintained contacts in the United Kingdom. Some suspected members had also been arrested by British authorities in connection with the investigation.
He described the operation as an example of international cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.
Marwa warns luxury lifestyle won’t shield suspects
The NDLEA chairman warned individuals allegedly using social media influence, wealth and luxury businesses to conceal illicit activities. He said the agency would continue to track them.
“To those who believe they can hide behind luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and social media personas while trafficking poison into our communities and across our borders, this Agency will find you,” Marwa said.
He added that the agency would continue targeting drug networks operating through ports, airports, courier firms and other channels. This would happen as investigations into the alleged cartel continue.
