The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned nightclub owners and fun seekers across the country against organizing or attending drug parties, describing such gatherings as criminal under Nigerian law.
The agency’s warning follows a recent raid on a drug-themed party held last Saturday at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Operatives of the NDLEA stormed the venue in the early hours of Sunday, arresting over 100 attendees along with the club owner, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDLEA condemned the rising trend of “drug parties,” describing it as a disturbing social fad. The agency said gatherings organized for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances constitute serious narcotic offences under the NDLEA Act.
According to the statement, “The organizers of the Proxy Night Club party went as far as producing and circulating flyers inviting people to come together to commit a crime. This is not only an incitement to break the law but also an affront to Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.”
The agency expressed concern that such events exacerbate the country’s drug abuse crisis, particularly among youths, and serve as recruitment grounds for new users.
NDLEA explained that undercover operatives conducted surveillance on the club, made pre-purchases of drugs, and monitored activities for four hours before executing the raid. A total of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and other substances were recovered from the club’s store.
While most of the attendees were profiled, counselled, and released, the club owner and his manager remain in custody and will face prosecution. The agency said it will also seek forfeiture of the Proxy Night Club to the Federal Government.
NDLEA warned that property owners who permit their facilities to be used for drug-related activities risk confiscation of their assets. It urged parents, religious leaders, and citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gatherings that promote drug abuse.
