The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned nightclub operators and fun seekers against the rising trend of “drug parties,” describing the act as a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The warning followed a weekend raid at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where NDLEA operatives arrested over 100 attendees, including the club’s owner, Mike Nwogu (Pretty Mike), and his manager, Joachin Milary.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operation came after intelligence reports revealed that the organisers had circulated flyers for a so-called “drug party.”
Undercover agents reportedly infiltrated the venue, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs, and monitored the premises for about four hours before conducting the raid between 11 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday.
Babafemi confirmed that operatives recovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud — a potent strain of cannabis — along with other substances from the club’s store.
All attendees were profiled, counselled, and released shortly after, while Pretty Mike and his manager remain in custody for further investigation.
“While the agency will apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, property owners who knowingly host such activities risk confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government,” Babafemi said.
The NDLEA stressed that any gathering organised for the consumption or distribution of illicit substances constitutes a criminal act under the NDLEA Act. The agency vowed to intensify surveillance of nightlife hotspots and enforce strict penalties against offenders.
“These ‘drug parties’ contravene Nigerian law and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. The organisers even circulated flyers inviting people to commit a crime, which amounts to incitement and a direct affront to law enforcement,” Babafemi added.
The NDLEA urged parents, religious and community leaders, and other stakeholders to report suspicious gatherings linked to drug use, warning that Nigeria is currently battling a high rate of substance abuse among youths.
Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, has witnessed a surge in “drug-themed” parties promoted via social media — a development the agency says undermines efforts to protect public health and security.
