Nigerian Drug Kingpin Arrested at El Dorado Airport in Colombia

Colombian authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, have arrested Nigerian national Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, alias Alen, a suspected transnational drug trafficker, at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.

According to intelligence sources cited by Zagazola Makama, Okparaejesi, who had lived in Colombia for over 12 years, was taken into custody upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil. His arrest followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Dijín (Colombian police intelligence unit) and the Attorney General’s Office.

Nigerian Drug Kingpin Arrested at El Dorado Airport in Colombia

By: Zagazola Makama

Colombian authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, have arrested a Nigerian national, Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, alias Alen, a suspected transnational drug trafficker, at El Dorado… pic.twitter.com/AFPIilyDWo

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) March 13, 2025

Authorities allege that while posing as a businessman in the beauty industry, Okparaejesi was orchestrating large-scale cocaine shipments to Spain. He reportedly financed drug procurement and managed smuggling operations using human couriers and specially designed double-bottom suitcases. His apprehension was made possible by intelligence from a detained drug mule en route to Spain, who provided details about his network.

As a result of the investigation, 15 additional individuals connected to his operations have also been arrested. Reports indicate that Okparaejesi married a Colombian woman in 2012 at the Nuestra Señora de Fátima parish in Bogotá and ran a hair extension business called “Nigeria African” near Ciudad de Cali Avenue.

A close associate told El Tiempo that the suspect rarely traveled outside Colombia, visiting Africa approximately every two years to see his family. “The last time we spoke, he told us he was in Ghana,” the associate revealed.

The Colombian National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) has confirmed his detention, with charges of drug trafficking, production, and distribution filed against him.

Via ZagazOlaMakama