The Korean National Intelligence Agency (NIS) and Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested K. Jeff, a notorious Nigerian drug kingpin, along with 36 members of his cartel. The bust, which followed five years of extensive intelligence collaboration, took place in Lagos, Nigeria.
K. Jeff, who was previously convicted for drug trafficking in South Korea in 2007, was deported to Nigeria in 2008 after serving a 12-month prison sentence. However, he continued to lead a sprawling drug smuggling network that spanned Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. His cartel was responsible for manufacturing and distributing illicit drugs worldwide.
The cartel utilized deceptive smuggling methods, including romance scams. In one instance, a Korean woman in her 50s was tricked into carrying depilatory wax products, unknowingly transporting cocaine concealed inside. The woman was caught while attempting to board a flight to Cambodia. Over 10 Korean citizens were deceived into participating in similar smuggling operations, illustrating the cartel’s broad reach.
The NIS’s investigation into Jeff’s operations began in 2020, working alongside Korean customs and police forces. By 2021, information from cartel members led to crucial intelligence about smuggling routes originating in Ghana. This intelligence led NIS agents to Nigeria, where a coordinated effort helped locate the cartel’s headquarters.
Authorities are committed to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational drug smuggling. This arrest highlights the increasing global efforts to dismantle international drug syndicates and protect citizens from drug-related crimes.
