Drug Parties Are Illegal, NDLEA Warns Club Owners, Fun Seekers

NDLEA Declares Drug Parties Illegal: A Stern Warning to Club Owners and Fun Seekers

In a decisive move to curb the rising trend of drug-fueled social gatherings, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria has issued a strong warning to nightclub operators and partygoers across the country.

The agency emphasized that the organization, promotion, or attendance of so-called “drug parties” is a criminal offense under Nigerian law and will be met with the full force of legal action.

This warning follows a high-profile raid conducted by NDLEA operatives at Proxy Night Club, located on Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The raid, which took place from late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals, including the club’s owner, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.

The operation was triggered by intelligence reports and surveillance that revealed the club was hosting a drug-themed party, complete with promotional flyers that openly invited attendees to engage in illegal drug use.

According to the NDLEA, the event was not only a blatant violation of the NDLEA Act but also an act of incitement to commit a crime. The agency described the circulation of such flyers as a direct challenge to law enforcement and a dangerous normalization of drug abuse in social settings. During the raid, undercover agents had earlier conducted surveillance and made controlled purchases of illicit substances within the club.

The operation culminated in the seizure of nearly 385 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, along with other narcotics found in the club’s storage area.

While all attendees were initially detained, they were later profiled, counseled, and released in accordance with global best practices. However, the two principal suspects—Pretty Mike and Joachin Millary, remain in custody and are expected to face prosecution.

The NDLEA also announced its intention to seek the forfeiture of the Proxy Night Club property, citing its use as a venue for criminal activity.

The agency underscored the broader implications of such gatherings, noting that Nigeria is currently grappling with a high prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among its youth.

Drug parties, the NDLEA warned, not only exacerbate this crisis but also serve as breeding grounds for new addicts and undermine national efforts to protect public health and safety.

In a broader call to action, the NDLEA urged parents, community leaders, religious institutions, and all concerned citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcing the law, warning that property owners who knowingly allow their venues to be used for drug-related events risk having their assets confiscated by the federal government.

This development marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s war against drug abuse and sends a clear message that the glamorization of narcotics in nightlife culture will not be tolerated.