K. Jeff is arrested in Lagos, Nigeria, on Feb. 13 in a photo released Thursday. (Pic:National Intelligence Service)
(EPICSTORIAN) — A Nigerian man suspected of being a drug cartel leader and controlling a global narcotics network has been arrested in Lagos.
Identified as K. Jeff, the 59-year-old was detained on February 13 for allegedly orchestrating the smuggling of narcotics into South Korea.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that Jeff had been under investigation for years.
His cartel is believed to have operated across five continents, using unsuspecting individuals—including South Koreans—to transport methamphetamine and other illicit substances.
What Led to the Arrest?
The NIS Transnational Crime Information Center, in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), spent five years tracking the organization’s movements.
Investigations led to the identification of key cartel figures, resulting in the arrest of 37 individuals, including Jeff.
This is not his first encounter with the law. Jeff had been convicted in South Korea in 2007 for drug smuggling and sentenced to 12 months in prison before being deported to Nigeria in 2008.
Intelligence reports suggest he expanded operations upon his return, establishing drug distribution networks in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
How Did the Drug Cartel Leader and His Network Smuggle illegal Substance?
Traffickers under Jeff used a variety of deception tactics to move drugs across borders. One method involved romance scams, tricking victims into unknowingly transporting narcotics.
A South Korean woman in her 50s was recently caught attempting to board a flight to Cambodia with cocaine concealed inside depilatory wax products.
She had been led to believe she was carrying legitimate goods. Investigators say at least 10 South Koreans were deceived in similar schemes.
How Did South Korean Officials Track the Cartel’s Movements?
The investigation into Jeff’s operations began in 2020, with South Korea’s prosecution, customs, and law enforcement agencies working together. In 2021, cartel members operating inside South Korea were linked to drug shipments from Ghana.
Key intelligence was later shared with Nigerian authorities, leading South Korea to deploy a team of investigators to assist in pinpointing the cartel’s headquarters. The coordinated operation led to the recent arrests.
Why Are Drug Cartels Targeting South Korea?
The NIS reported an increase in attempts to smuggle drugs into South Korea, as many cartels are shifting focus to Asia. The tightening of anti-drug policies in North America has forced traffickers to explore new markets.
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