The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 18 suspected drug peddlers during a comprehensive raid in Lagos.
Suspected dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis with a total weight of 216.8kgs were also seized during the raid.
Some of the places covered during the operation include: Obalende, Alaba Rago, Lagos Island, Isheri Idimu and Bolade market.
NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Aliyu Sule described the raid as successful, adding that three suspected drug dealers among those arrested shall be prosecuted while others found to be users of drug are undergoing counseling.
According to him, “The command has embarked on a routine raid across Lagos metropolis. Eighteen suspected drug peddlers were apprehended and cannabis weighing 216.8kg including 119.3kg of abandoned cannabis at Lagos Island was seized. Fifteen of the suspects found to be problem users had been placed on counseling while three suspected dealers are under investigation and will soon be charged to court.”
He listed those under investigation to include: Iyanda Muri Amoo, 40, caught with 77kg at Gambari Street Lagos Island, Idris Dalhat, 55, arrested with 16.6kg at Alaba Rago and Ibrahim Daneyo, 32, found in possession of 3.9kg of cannabis behind Dodan Barracks Obalende, Lagos.
The commander stated that the suspected dried weed was weighed in the presence of arresting officers, the suspects and other witnesses.
Ibrahim Danejo, who hails from Taraba State, said that he started the illicit trade some months ago because of joblessness.
“It is not in my mind to sell hemp but I am doing it to sustain myself pending when I will get a job. I used to buy hemp at Lagos Island and sell behind the barracks at Obalende area. If I buy hemp worth N1,500 I can sell it for N3,000. Unfortunately for me, I was arrested with 3.9kg of hemp by NDLEA officers” Ibrahim stated.
Idris Dalhat on his part said that there is high turnover in hemp sales.
“I am from Katsina State and I came to Lagos in 1997. Initially, I used to sell goat but later I switched to hemp because of the high turnover. I am married with two wives and five children” he stated.
The third suspect, Iyanda Muri Amoo said that NDLEA officers came to his house and took him to his warehouse.
According to him, “I was in my house when NDLEA officers arrested and took me to my shop where hemp weighing 77kg was seized during search. This is my first arrest and I feel very sad.”
The agency urged members of the public to provide information on the activities of drug peddlers in their neighborhood.
It also assured of swift and professional response aimed at eradicating illicit drugs from our society.
