A former drug trafficker, Spencer Benjamin, who was once the infamous Cali Cartel's man in Liverpool, has passed away in his luxury Dubai villa. The 54-year-old was found unresponsive on a couch in his Arabian Ranches villa on February 2, 2026. The coroner's report revealed that Benjamin's cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest, combined with cocaine and ketamine use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Benjamin's death has raised questions about the impact of drug use on his pre-existing lung condition. The report noted that cocaine use is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised lungs, and that Benjamin's drug use likely contributed to his death. The coroner also mentioned that Benjamin had been under the watch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in 1999 for his involvement in an international drug conspiracy.
The Cali Cartel, a multi-billion dollar empire, was one of the most powerful criminal fraternities in the world. Its illicit activities were globally recognized following the hit Netflix show "Narcos". Benjamin's death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug use and the impact it can have on individuals with pre-existing health conditions. It also highlights the ongoing fight against organized crime and the importance of addressing the root causes of drug addiction.