The United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in collaboration with Colombian authorities have arrested a Nigerian drug kingpin, Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, said to be a suspected transnational drug trafficker at El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá, capital of Colombia.
Okparaejesi, alias Alen, who had been residing in Colombia for over 12 years was apprehended upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 after intensive investigations and tip-offs.
The suspect, who was said to have posed as a businessman in the beauty industry was allegedly coordinating large-scale cocaine shipments to Spain.
Authorities revealed that Okparaejesi financed drug procurements and oversaw operations involving human couriers and specially designed double-bottom suitcases to smuggle narcotics and other illicit drugs.
His arrest was facilitated by intelligence from a detained drug mule en route Spain, who disclosed details of the Nigerian’s network. His arrest has also led to the arrest of 15 other individuals linked to his operations.
Thescale news learnt that the suspected drug kingpin is married to a Colombian woman in 2012 and is reportedly running a business dealing in hair extensions, named “Nigeria African,” located near Ciudad de Cali Avenue.
The Colombian National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) has confirmed his detention, with charges of drug trafficking, production and distribution filed against him.
