The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to nightclub operators and partygoers regarding the growing trend of organising, hosting, and attending drug parties.
The agency described this alarming phenomenon as a blatant violation of Nigerian law and a concerning development within social circles.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, the warning followed a raid conducted by operatives at a drug party.
The event took place on Saturday, October 25, extending into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Over 100 attendees were arrested, along with the owner of the venue and his manager.
According to Mr Babafemi, any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is a criminal offence.
He stated, “These ‘drug parties’ violate the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy Night Club, the organisers went beyond the pale by producing and distributing flyers inviting partygoers to come together and commit crimes. This not only constitutes incitement to commit a crime but also poses a direct challenge to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if left unchecked.”
Mr Babafemi highlighted that Nigeria is currently facing a high prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among young people. He noted that such illicit drug parties not only exacerbate the drug crisis but also serve as recruitment hubs for new addicts, actively undermining national efforts to protect public health and security.
He detailed that the NDLEA conducted the raid with meticulous professionalism, following intelligence gathered about the party. Undercover agents surveilled the venue, making pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club. Over a four-hour period, from 11pm on Saturday to 3am on Sunday during the event, operatives observed and documented drug transactions and abuse before disrupting the blatant display of illegality and making arrests. All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, counselled, and released within hours, in accordance with best global practices.
The NDLEA spokesman confirmed that the two main suspects remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, along with other substances from the club’s store.
Mr Babafemi stated that the agency would enhance surveillance and enforce the law against perpetrators and property owners, including hotels and event centres, that knowingly host such illegal activities, warning that they risk confiscation and forfeiture of their assets by the Federal Government.
He added that those currently in custody in relation to this case would face prosecution, while the agency would seek forfeiture of Proxy Night Club, the site where the drugs were discovered.
“The agency urges all patriotic Nigerians, as well as parents, religious and community leaders, and concerned citizens, to remain vigilant. We also appeal for reports of such activities and encourage collaboration with the NDLEA in tackling this threat to national well-being,” he said.
(NAN)
