…Agency Warns Nightlife Operators Against Hosting Drug Parties
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said Lagos socialite and owner of Proxy Night Club, Mr. Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, may lose ownership of his nightclub after operatives raided a drug-themed party on the premises.
The agency described the growing culture of organising and hosting drug parties in nightlife scenes as a “disturbing fad” and warned both fun seekers and club operators that such activities remain criminal under Nigerian law.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the raid was conducted on the night of Saturday into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club in Lagos.
The operation, according to him, led to the arrest of over 100 party attendees, including former Big Brother Naija housemate, Mr. Tuoyo Ideh.
Babafemi said gatherings organized for the consumption or distribution of illicit substances constitute serious criminal offences under the NDLEA Act.
He stated, “In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board and dared to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.”
He explained that Nigeria faces a rising rate of drug abuse, particularly among youths, noting that such illicit parties worsen the situation and promote addiction.
According to him, “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 and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.”
Babafemi disclosed that the NDLEA acted based on credible intelligence, and deployed undercover agents who monitored the venue, made pre-purchases of drugs, and recorded illicit transactions before storming the party.
“Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests,” he said.
Babafemi confirmed that Pretty Mike and his manager, Mr. Joachin Millary, are in custody after NDLEA operatives recovered 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, alongside other narcotics from the club’s storage area.
“The two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store” Babafemi said.
He warned that property owners who allow their venues to be used for such criminal activities risk losing them to government seizure.
“While the Agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government.
“Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found,” Babafemi said.
He added that all individuals initially detained were profiled, counselled, and released within hours in line with global best practices.
The NDLEA urged Nigerians, parents and religious leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious gatherings that promote drug use and trafficking.
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