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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a stern warning to nightclub operators and partygoers over the rising trend of organising and attending drug parties across the country.
The agency described the practice as an alarming and illegal development that poses a serious threat to public health and national security.
The warning followed a major raid conducted by NDLEA operatives on a drug-themed party held at Proxy Night Club, located on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The operation, which took place between Saturday night, October 25, and the early hours of Sunday, October 26, led to the arrest of over 100 party attendees, including the club owner and his manager.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that the raid was prompted by credible intelligence reports suggesting that the event was organised specifically for the consumption and sale of illicit drugs.
He noted that the agency’s undercover agents conducted pre-operation surveillance and even purchased drugs from the club before the full-scale raid.
“For four hours, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions taking place in the club,” Babafemi stated. “When the evidence was sufficient, we moved in and disrupted the brazen public display of illegality.”
Babafemi condemned the organisers for promoting the event openly with flyers that encouraged guests to “come together to commit crime.”
He said such actions amounted to incitement and defiance of the country’s anti-narcotic laws. “Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is a serious offence under the NDLEA Act,” he said.
According to him, while all arrested attendees were later profiled, counselled, and released, the two principal suspects the club owner and manager remain in custody.
The operation also led to the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, along with other narcotics found in the club’s store.
The NDLEA spokesperson warned that the agency would intensify surveillance and invoke asset forfeiture laws against property owners who knowingly allow their facilities to be used for such illegal activities.
“Any hotel, lounge, or event centre caught aiding or abetting drug-related gatherings risks confiscation and forfeiture to the Federal Government,” he cautioned.
Babafemi further urged Nigerians especially parents, religious leaders, and community heads to support the agency’s fight against drug abuse by reporting suspicious gatherings or behaviour.
“These drug parties are breeding grounds for new addicts and directly undermine ongoing national efforts to curb substance abuse,” he added.
The NDLEA’s latest operation has drawn mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians applauding the agency’s proactive stance while others called for more public awareness campaigns targeting youth.
The agency reiterated that its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s moral and physical health remains steadfast and that it will continue to pursue offenders until the menace of drug abuse and trafficking is eradicated.
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