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Cali Cartel Operative's Dubai Demise Revealed
3 Mar
Summary
- Drug runner Spencer Benjamin found dead in Dubai villa.
- He worked for the infamous Cali Cartel in Liverpool.
- Cocaine and ketamine use contributed to his death.
Spencer Benjamin, identified as the Liverpool organiser for the infamous Cali Cartel, was discovered deceased in his Dubai villa on February 2, 2026. The 54-year-old, who had relocated to Dubai years prior, was found unresponsive in his home.
An inquest at Liverpool Coroners' Court determined his death was drug-related. The presence of cocaine and ketamine in his system, combined with his existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), led to cardiorespiratory arrest. The coroner noted that the stimulant drugs were particularly dangerous given his compromised respiratory health.
Benjamin was previously jailed for 10 years after being surveilled meeting with Venezuelan drug lord Ivan di Giorgio, an associate of the Cali Cartel. The cartel was once a dominant force in the global cocaine market during the 1990s, controlling a significant portion of its supply.
