Nigerian Drug Trafficker Arrested in Colombia in Joint Operation with FBI

 

Colombian authorities, in collaboration with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have arrested Nigerian national Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, also known as Alen, in connection with an extensive transnational drug trafficking network.

Okparaejesi was taken into custody at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, following a meticulously planned investigation led by the Dijín, Colombia’s police intelligence unit, and the Attorney General’s Office.

A Decade in Colombia Under False Pretenses

Having lived in Colombia for over 12 years, Okparaejesi presented himself as a legitimate businessman within the beauty industry, operating a hair extension business named “Nigeria African” near Ciudad de Cali Avenue. However, intelligence reports suggest that behind this façade, he was a key figure in smuggling large-scale cocaine shipments to Spain.

Authorities revealed that Okparaejesi played a crucial role in financing drug procurement and overseeing complex smuggling operations. His network reportedly used human couriers and specially modified suitcases with double-bottom compartments to discreetly transport narcotics across international borders.

Arrest Triggered by Detained Drug Mule

The arrest of Okparaejesi followed a major breakthrough in the investigation. A drug mule, detained en route to Spain, provided vital intelligence that exposed the intricate web of operations orchestrated by the Nigerian national. This information enabled law enforcement agencies to dismantle significant portions of the trafficking network, leading to the arrest of 15 other individuals linked to his organization.

Ties to Colombia and Limited Travel

Investigators further disclosed that Okparaejesi had deeply integrated himself into Colombian society, having married a Colombian woman in 2012 at the Nuestra Señora de Fátima parish in Bogotá. Despite his long-term residence in the country, he reportedly maintained limited international travel, only visiting Africa approximately once every two years to reconnect with family.

A close associate of Okparaejesi, speaking to El Tiempo, mentioned that his last known travel outside Colombia was to Ghana. “The last time we spoke, he told us he was in Ghana,” the associate revealed, emphasizing that he rarely left Colombia for extended periods.

Criminal Charges and Detention

Following his capture, Colombia’s National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) confirmed that Okparaejesi is being held in custody, facing serious charges related to drug trafficking, production, and distribution. His arrest is being hailed as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against international narcotics syndicates operating within and beyond Colombia’s borders.

Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his operations, with further arrests and legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.