The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned nightclub owners and fun seekers across Nigeria against hosting or attending drug parties, describing the growing trend as a dangerous and criminal act under the country’s laws.
The warning follows a major weekend raid at a Lagos nightclub where operatives of the anti-narcotics agency stormed Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, and arrested over 100 persons attending what was described as a drug party.
Among those arrested were the club owner, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.
In a statement released on Tuesday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said the operation was based on credible intelligence that the event was specifically organized to promote the consumption and distribution of illicit substances.
Babafemi revealed that undercover operatives of the NDLEA infiltrated the club, made pre-purchases of hard drugs, and monitored drug use and sales inside the facility for hours before the raid began around 3 a.m. on Sunday.
“In the case of the drug party at Proxy Night Club, organisers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime,” the statement read.
“This act not only constitutes an incitement to commit a crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned,” he said.
Babafemi said the operation led to the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian loud, a potent strain of cannabis, alongside other narcotics discovered in the club’s storage area.
While all attendees were profiled, counselled, and released hours later “in line with global best practices,” the agency confirmed that Pretty Mike and his manager remain in custody and will be prosecuted.
“Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths.
“These illicit drug parties not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction,” the agency noted.
The NDLEA further warned property owners, hoteliers, and event managers against allowing their facilities to be used for drug-related activities, saying any such property found to host illegal drug party risks forfeiture to the federal government.
The agency vowed to intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against anyone involved in promoting drug culture in Nigeria.
The NDLEA called on parents, religious leaders, and community members to remain vigilant and report any such gatherings to authorities, describing the rising popularity of drug-themed events as a threat to public health and national security.
