The NDLEA has filed a forfeiture suit against Proxy Night Club in Lagos, owned by socialite Pretty Mike, after a drug raid led to multiple arrests.
The club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, was stormed by NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Sunday following intelligence reports of a planned “drug party.”
Over 100 people, including Pretty Mike and the club manager, Joachin Milary, were arrested during the operation, which lasted from 11 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said undercover agents had infiltrated the event and made pre-purchases of illicit substances before the raid began.
A total of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud — a potent strain of cannabis — and other hard drugs were recovered from the club’s storage area.
Speaking at the agency’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Buba Marwa (retd.), said the forfeiture suit became necessary after the club “brazenly advertised” the drug party, urging patrons to openly indulge in illegal substances.
Marwa warned that the agency would not permit a culture of impunity within Nigeria’s entertainment sector, stressing that any facility found to host drug-related activities risks permanent seizure.
READ ALSO: NDLEA arrests Pretty Mike, 100 others at Lagos club
“In Nigeria, the possession and use of drugs in persons or premises is illegal. We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve. If we tolerate one, in a few weeks every nightclub will begin hosting drug parties. We will not allow it,” he said.
The NDLEA boss cautioned nightclub owners, hoteliers, and facility managers nationwide to ensure their establishments are not used for criminal drug activities.
“All club owners and hoteliers should be aware that the risk is forfeiture of their properties. We will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos,” he warned.
Highlighting the agency’s progress, Marwa disclosed that within the past 30 months, the NDLEA recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted drugs, secured 9,263 convictions, and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users across Nigeria.
He further noted that the agency conducted 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, and worship centres within the same period.
Marwa commended NDLEA officers for their dedication despite the dangers involved, noting that the agency’s reward and recognition system has helped to strengthen morale and improve operational performance nationwide.
Punch
