The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned club operators and fun seekers across the country against hosting or attending drug-themed parties, describing such gatherings as criminal acts punishable under Nigerian law.
The agency issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday following a weekend operation in Lagos, where operatives raided Proxy night club on Akin Adesola street, Victoria Island, and arrested over 100 guests.
The guests were arrested alongside the club’s owner, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, intelligence had revealed plans to hold a drug party at the club, prompting an undercover operation that led to the arrests and the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian loud and other illicit substances from the facility’s store.
“Any gathering organized for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality.
“These so-called drug parties contravene the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences,” the agency said.
Babafemi said NDLEA operatives acted with professionalism throughout the operation, conducting surveillance, undercover drug purchases, and documentation before moving in to arrest the suspects between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday.
“Following intelligence on the party, undercover agents monitored the venue, made pre-purchases of drugs, and documented evidence before the raid was carried out,” he stated.
He said that while over 100 guests were profiled, counselled, and released in line with global best practices, the two principal suspects, Pretty Mike and his manager remain in custody and will face prosecution.
“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.
The NDLEA reiterated that property owners and hotel managers found to be knowingly hosting drug-related gatherings could lose their assets to the federal government.
“Owners of properties, hotels, and event centres who allow such activities risk confiscation and forfeiture of their assets,” the agency warned.
The agency urged parents, religious leaders, and community members to remain vigilant and report such activities, stressing that drug parties undermine national security.
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