Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based billionaire and real estate mogul, Kolapo Raji, for allegedly masterminding an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday. He identified the suspect as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources.
According to the statement, the 57-year-old businessman was apprehended at his Safe Court Apartment residence in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following sustained surveillance. Babafemi said Raji had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025 and was arrested shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.
“The 57-year-old drug kingpin was arrested at his Safe Court Apartment residence in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos on Thursday, 12th February 2026, after sustained surveillance soon after his return from the United Kingdom,” the NDLEA spokesman stated.
A search conducted at the residence reportedly led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing a total of 89.20 kilograms. Operatives also recovered a 2024 model Toyota Hilux vehicle at the point of arrest.
Babafemi further revealed that in his statement to investigators, Raji allegedly admitted becoming involved in the illicit drug trade after financing consignments for an overseas associate. He reportedly told authorities that the associate paid him substantial profits. These profits amounted to hundreds of millions of naira. This financial gain motivated him to establish an independent drug distribution network.
The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the alleged syndicate and to determine the full extent of the operation.
