Nigerian ‘Drug Kingpin’ Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi Alias Alen Arrested At Airport In Colombia

Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, alias Alen, a Nigerian national, was arrested at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, on March 12, 2025. He was apprehended upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, following an investigation led by Colombian authorities and the FBI. Okparaejesi, who had lived in Colombia for over 12 years, was accused of coordinating large-scale cocaine shipments to Spain using human couriers and specially designed suitcases. He posed as a businessman in the beauty industry, running a hair extension business. Fifteen others linked to his operations were also arrested. Okparaejesi pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and faces a prison sentence.

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