The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended eighteen suspected drug peddlers during a comprehensive raid operation in Lagos.
Suspected dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis with a total weight of 216.8kgs were also seized during the assignment.
Some of the places covered during the operation included Obalende, Alaba Rago, Lagos Island, Isheri Idimu and Bolade Market.
NDLEA Lagos State commander, Aliyu Sule, who described the raid as successful said that three suspected drug dealers among those arrested shall be prosecuted, while others found to be users of drug are undergoing counselling.
“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 counselling while three suspected dealers are under investigation and will soon be charged to court”.
Those under investigation are 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 suspected dried weeds were 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 on Lagos Island and sell behind the barracks at the 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.
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.