The Nigeria Police Force, through the Zone 2 command in Lagos, has successfully intercepted a massive consignment of illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦7.8 billion. The operation, which took place in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos, led to the arrest of a 41-year-old businessman, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, who allegedly used a Point-of-Sale (POS) paper roll business as a front for his drug trafficking activities.
Joint Operation Uncovers Major Drug Network
The raid was a collaborative effort involving the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and divisional police detectives. According to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the operation was the culmination of months of surveillance and intelligence gathering targeting Ifeanyi, who operated under the name Ogata Venture Limited. The police recovered hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from a residential apartment within an estate in Mende.
AIG Jimoh addressed journalists at the scene on Saturday, May 23, highlighting the shocking nature of the discovery. He noted that the suspect was living among law-abiding citizens in a compound housing up to 10 families, using the location as a hub for importing, storing, and distributing prohibited substances across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Suspect Used Forged Presidential Plates
Investigations revealed that Ifeanyi employed sophisticated methods to evade detection. He allegedly used multiple vehicles, including one bearing forged presidential registration plates, to transport drugs in smaller quantities across different locations. AIG Jimoh stated that these vehicles were specifically chosen to bypass security checks and avoid stop-and-search operations on the roads.
During the briefing, Jimoh disclosed that the suspect attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to halt the operation and allow him to move the consignment. The bribe was rejected outright, and the commander documented the incident for further investigation. Jimoh emphasized the discipline and integrity of the officers involved, stating, "We are disciplined police officers. We are officers of the law. And we shun all acts of corruption and corrupt tendency in our investigation."
Police Expand Probe into Wider Network
AIG Jimoh confirmed that investigators have traced some of the alleged distribution channels within Lagos and neighboring states. The police are now expanding their investigation to identify and apprehend other members of the drug network. "We are going further to investigate those who have collaborated with him at every level to get this thing into the country," Jimoh said. "We will ensure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that we get to the roots of the entire investigation."
The seized substances were packaged in specially double-sealed bags designed to preserve potency and street value. The police believe each bag could be worth millions of naira on the illicit market, although the suspect claimed buyers paid about ₦500,000 per bag.
Suspect Admits Ownership
During an exchange with journalists and police officers, Ifeanyi admitted ownership of the seized bags, stating, "They belong to me." He also mentioned that some buyers transported the products outside Nigeria. The police have since taken him into custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation.
AIG Jimoh cited Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Act 2020, affirming the Nigeria Police Force's constitutional authority to investigate and prosecute drug-related crimes. The exhibits recovered during the raid have been documented and will be presented in court. The police assured the public that the case would be prosecuted directly by the force.
IGP Commends Professionalism
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu praised the operation, stating that it validates the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun. "Policing must be close to the people, and our specialised units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground," Disu said. He commended the SPU commander for rejecting the ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure, calling it the standard expected of all officers. The IGP added that his administration will continue to reward integrity and hold officers accountable.
The police have promised to provide further updates as the case progresses, with AIG Jimoh declaring, "This is the beginning to the end of the issue of drug barons in this region of Lagos and Ogun state."
