Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have uncovered a major drug trafficking network in Lagos, leading to the arrest of several suspects and seizure of illicit substances worth billions of naira.
The operation, carried out jointly by the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and divisional police detectives, led to the recovery of hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud from an apartment in an estate located in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos.
Police authorities identified the alleged kingpin as Eke Henry Ifeanyi, 41, who was arrested during the operation conducted on May 19.
Addressing journalists at the scene on Saturday, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, said the command had placed the suspect under surveillance for several months before moving in on credible intelligence.
Jimoh disclosed that the suspect allegedly offered a ₦500 million bribe to the SPU Commander in a bid to stop the operation and allow him contact accomplices to move the consignment.
According to him, the bribe offer was rejected and properly documented for further investigation.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and professionally executed with support from the Inspector-General of Police and tactical teams deployed to secure the area,” he said.
The AIG added that the Special Protection Unit worked alongside divisional teams to prevent interference with evidence and possible escape by suspects.
Reacting to the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the success of the raid validated ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening collaboration between specialised police units and divisional commands.
“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialised units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU Commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect,” Disu said.
He added that the police leadership would continue to reward integrity and ensure accountability within the force.
The police said exhibits recovered during the raid had been documented and would be presented in court.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged drug trafficking network.
