TikToker Samuel Onuha and Brother Reuben Arrested in Dubai for Alleged Cocaine Smuggling
Samuel Onuha, a well-known TikTok personality and entrepreneur, along with his brother Reuben Onuha, have been arrested in Dubai for allegedly smuggling 250 kilograms of cocaine into the emirate, authorities announced today.
The brothers, both Dutch nationals behind the successful fashion brand Icon Amsterdam, face up to 25 years in prison if convicted under the UAE’s stringent drug laws.
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The arrests took place in the early hours of March 1, following a dramatic raid on Samuel’s lavish $50 million mansion in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, where the siblings had been living a high-profile lifestyle. According to the Dubai Police, Samuel, 25, is believed to have orchestrated a sophisticated underground operation—referred to internally as a “snow” network—smuggling the massive haul of cocaine, valued at approximately $60 million (USD) on the street, into the city. Reuben, 23, is accused of aiding in the logistics and distribution.
“Samuel Onuha played a major role in this illicit trade, leveraging his social media fame and business connections to mask criminal activities,” a police spokesperson said at a press conference at 11:00 AM WAT. “The seizure of 250 kilograms of cocaine represents one of the largest drug busts in recent Dubai history.” Authorities allege the drugs were concealed in shipping containers from South America, routed through Amsterdam, before reaching the UAE.
The raid uncovered luxury cars, cash, and encrypted phones, painting a picture of a double life for Samuel, whose TikTok following exceeds 2 million. Known for flaunting Rolls-Royces and designer fits, he and Reuben built Icon Amsterdam into a $32 million menswear empire since 2018.
Wahala! Popular TikToker Samuel Onuha and his brother, Reuben, arrested for allegedly smuggling 250kg of cocaine into Dubai—Face 25 years in prison!
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 4, 2025
Authorities say Samuel played a major role in an underground ‘snow’
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According to sources familiar with the case, the brothers’ arrests stem from a months-long investigation triggered by tips from unpaid escorts at a lavish party they hosted in February. When the women alerted authorities, a sting operation ensued, culminating in the mansion raid.
The Onuhas have not yet commented, but their legal team is reportedly preparing a defense, claiming the evidence is circumstantial.
With Dubai’s zero-tolerance drug policy, a guilty verdict could mean decades behind bars—or worse, as trafficking convictions can carry life sentences or the death penalty in extreme cases.
