A man named Spencer Benjamin, who was involved in drug trafficking for the notorious Colombian Cali Cartel in Liverpool, was discovered deceased in his lavish residence in Dubai.

Benjamin had been sentenced to a decade in prison for his part in an international drug ring after being observed meeting an individual at a Pizza Hut in central London by undercover police officers. The individual he met was identified as Venezuelan drug lord Ivan di Giorgio, acting on behalf of the feared Cali Cartel, which controlled a significant portion of the global cocaine market in the mid-1990s.

According to reports from the Liverpool Echo, a senior officer leading the investigation described Benjamin as the “organizer for the Liverpool branch of the operation.” Benjamin, previously residing in Toxteth, was found dead in his Arabian Ranches residence in Dubai on February 2, 2026. He had been living in Dubai for several years after leaving Liverpool.

During the inquest at Liverpool Coroners’ Court, it was disclosed that Benjamin was found unresponsive in his room with a CPAP machine attached to his face. A post-mortem examination revealed the presence of cocaine and ketamine in his system at levels capable of impacting bodily functions, indicating prior drug ingestion.

The cause of Benjamin’s death was determined to be cardiorespiratory arrest exacerbated by cocaine and ketamine use and his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The pathologist emphasized the dangerous combination of drugs and Benjamin’s compromised respiratory system, leading to a conclusion of a drug-related death.

Benjamin had been under surveillance by the Serious Organised Crime Agency when he was observed exchanging items with di Giorgio. Despite denying involvement in drug activities, evidence suggested his significant role in the drug chain. His extravagant lifestyle, including a luxurious house, international vacations, and expensive accessories, contrasted with his claims of legitimate employment.

Detective Superintendent John Kerruish highlighted Benjamin’s crucial role in the drug operation in Liverpool and the significance of his conviction in combating drug trafficking into Merseyside. The Cali Cartel, a powerful criminal organization that separated from Pablo Escobar’s Medellin associates, was known for its global drug empire and was prominently featured in the popular Netflix series “Narcos.”