The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, says it has arrested 53 drug suspects at the Gowon Estate, in the Idimu area of Lagos.
Chairman of the taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele revealed this in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.
He stated that the operation was carried out by the agency to improve safety, property security, and environmental dignity in the area.
“The agency apprehended drug peddlers, addicts, miscreants; street urchins; illegal street traders and people of shady business dealings.
“We found several mix of different illicit drugs and narcotics, suspected to be Indian hemp, codeine syrup, colorado and several others that are not good or worthy of human consumption,” Akerele said.
The taskforce chairman added that the operation is a key step towards providing relief to residents of Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Egbeda, Idimu, and the surrounding areas who have been affected by the nefarious activities of suspected criminals.
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“Residents have endured trauma and safety risks due to the presence of these unauthorised and waywards squattters.
“The taskforce remains fully committed to safeguarding all residents, and we will continue our efforts to rid the metropolis of individuals who prey on law-abiding citizens,” he said.
The agency’s dedication to methodically monitoring further criminal hideouts, blackspots, inactive properties, and abandoned structures was also reiterated by the chairman.
“This vigilance is intended to deter people of sinister motives to desist or relocate out of the state. These arrests underscore our determination to maintain a safe, serene and conducive environment for all.
“We will not rest until every individual involved in these illegal practices is held accountable, ” he said.
Akerele said that the 53 suspects who were arrested for illegally selling and using drugs, and dealing in illegal goods on the streets will be prosecuted.
