Lagos dismantles makeshift drug stalls, to prosecute 20

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has announced that at least 20 suspected drug peddlers arrested in Gowon Estate and Egbeda will be prosecuted.

Wahab disclosed this in a statement on Thursday via his official X handle, following an operation carried out by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce on Wednesday.

He said the raids conducted in areas including 31 Road intersection and Wole Omo-Osho and Idoani Streets in Gowon Estate, as well as the Egbeda Market area along the Egbeda-Idimu Road, led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of various illicit substances and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities.

He added that the operation also resulted in the total removal of makeshift stalls at the junction of Idoani Street following intelligence reports that the stalls were being used as safe havens for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs by criminal elements.

“We have zero tolerance for criminal activities in our communities. Our resolve to reclaim and secure Lagos for law-abiding citizens is unwavering.

“During the operation, various illicit substances were recovered, including cash proceeds from the illegal activities.

“All suspects arrested will be charged in court accordingly.”

He urged residents to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

A similar raid carried out in January targeting suspected criminal hideouts in the Agboyi-Ketu and Alapere areas led to the arrest of 20 suspects allegedly involved in unlawful activities.

Uthman Salami

Uthman, a Mass Communication graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has over six years experience in journalism. He reports crime to community-related news for Metro, business with a focus on the capital market and the oil and gas.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]