The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has warned night club operators and fun seekers against the growing trend of organising and attending drug parties, describing the practice as a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.
The warning followed a weekend raid on a drug party held at Proxy Night Club, 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where operatives of the agency arrested over 100 attendees, including the club owner, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Milary.
The NDLEA said on Sunday that the operation was carried out after intelligence revealed that the organisers had circulated flyers inviting people to what they called a “drug party”.
Providing an update on the matter in a statement on Tuesday, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said undercover agents had infiltrated the club, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs, and monitored activities for four hours before storming the premises between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday.
He said operatives recovered 384.886kg of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and other illicit substances from the club’s store during the operation.
Babafemi noted that all attendees initially arrested were profiled, counselled, and released within hours in line with global best practices, while the club owner and his manager remain in custody.
He said, “All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled, and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices, while the two principal suspects Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, and other substances from the club’s store.
Babafemi warned against organising drug parties, stressing that such activities are illegal.
The NDLEA spokesperson added that the agency would intensify surveillance and enforce the full weight of the law against anyone involved in such criminal acts, warning that property owners who knowingly allow their facilities to be used for drug-related activities risk forfeiting them to the Federal Government.
About the Author
