LAGOS – No fewer than 100 persons were arrested when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stormed a drug-fuelled party at Proxy Night Club, located on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The midnight raid, which took place between Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday, followed credible intelligence that the party was organised specifically for the consumption and sale of illicit drugs.
According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the operation led to the arrest of all attendees, along with the club owner and his manager, while large quantities of narcotics, including 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis were recovered from the club’s store.
Babafemi described the incident as a “blatant act of criminality,” warning that gatherings organised for drug use or distribution violate the NDLEA Act and attract severe penalties.
“Organisers of the so-called ‘drug party’ had the audacity to design and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to participate in a crime. This is not only incitement to commit an offence but also an affront to law enforcement,” he said.
He added that NDLEA operatives had carried out undercover surveillance at the venue, observing drug transactions and abuse for about four hours before moving in to dismantle the illegal activity.
While those initially arrested were later profiled, counselled, and released in line with global best practices, Babafemi said the two principal suspects remain in custody and will face prosecution.
He warned that owners of clubs, hotels, and event centres found to be hosting such activities would not only face criminal charges but also risk forfeiture of their properties to the Federal Government.
Babafemi further urged parents, community leaders, and the public to remain vigilant and report any gatherings or venues promoting drug abuse, stressing that NDLEA would intensify surveillance and enforcement across the country.
“These drug parties are fueling addiction among youths and undermining national efforts to safeguard public health and security,” he said.
The agency vowed to continue its clampdown on such criminal trends within nightlife circles as part of its nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.