Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have announced moves to seize Proxy Nightclub — owned by Lagos socialite Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu (popularly known as “Pretty Mike”) — after a weekend raid that recovered a large quantity of illegal drugs and led to the detention of the club owner and several staff. (The Guardian Nigeria)
According to the NDLEA, undercover officers embedded themselves at the event after receiving intelligence that organisers had circulated flyers advertising a “drug party.” The agency says the operation, which began late on Saturday and culminated in a sweep of the premises in the early hours of Sunday, uncovered drugs stored in the club and among attendees. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The NDLEA gave an updated figure for the seizure: 384.886 kilograms of “Canadian loud” — a potent strain of cannabis — was recovered during the operation, alongside other substances the agency described as paraphernalia associated with distribution. The agency said it would apply to the Federal High Court for forfeiture of the property used in the commission of the offence. (Nairametrics)
More than 100 people were initially detained for profiling and drug screening; the NDLEA says most attendees were profiled, counselled and later released, while Pretty Mike and his manager remain in custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution. The agency warned nightclub operators and patrons nationwide that organising or attending drug-themed parties is a criminal offence and that properties used to facilitate trafficking could be lost to forfeiture proceedings. (Legit.ng - Nigeria news.)
The raid is part of a wider clampdown the NDLEA says it is conducting on growing urban distribution networks. NDLEA officials highlighted recent coordinated seizures and arrests across Lagos and other states, and reiterated a pledge to pursue both suspects and assets linked to organised drug supply. (Arise News)
Key developments
NDLEA operatives raided Proxy Nightclub in Victoria Island, Lagos, after intelligence about a drug-themed party. (The Guardian Nigeria)
About 384.886 kg of cannabis (reported as “Canadian Loud”) was seized. (Nairametrics)
More than 100 attendees were arrested for screening and profiling; Pretty Mike and his manager remain in custody. (The Guardian Nigeria)
NDLEA says it will file a forfeiture application to take possession of the night-club property and will prosecute those responsible. (Leadership News)
“These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences,” the agency’s statement said, adding that properties used for drug trafficking would be liable to forfeiture. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Context & reactions
Social media and entertainment pages quickly circulated video clips and photographs from the raid; some commentators questioned whether the raid reflected targeted enforcement of problem venues while others welcomed the agency’s tough stance against organised supply. Observers also noted the legal path NDLEA must follow to successfully forfeit privately-held property — an action that typically requires court proceedings and proof the premises were used to commit or facilitate illicit trafficking.
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