The task force in Lagos on Thursday arrested 43 suspected drug dealers and users, including nearby shop owners suspected of concealing illicit substances.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Friday, said the cleanup took place in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state days after raiding drug peddlers’ hideouts in Gowon Estate.

Mr Wahab said, “Forty-eight hours after carrying out coordinated raids of drug gangs perpetrating drug deals and related crimes in Gowon Estate, the task force returned to 31 Road and the adjoining streets of Wole Omo Osho, Bless Jah, Adenle Crescent and Okunola Road in Mosan-Okunola LCDA in the Alimosho LGA in a mop up for the most extensive cleanup to end the activities of drug peddling and use in the entire area. The operation which commenced at about 1800hrs of Thursday 28th November, 2024, led to the arrest of 43 suspected sellers of illicit substances and criminal elements who have converted the entire area into a safe haven for unlawful drug activities.’’ 

Significant mix of illicit drugs and other substances were confiscated from the suspects during the raid which included Canadian loud hemp, prescription drugs, codeine syrups, several weighing scales of illicit substances, Indian hemp crushers and knives.

He stated, “Neighbouring shop owners who conspires and conceal the illicit drugs for the peddlers and same recovered in their shops were arrested while those in whose shops nothing incriminating was found were warned to concentrate on what is displayed for sales at their various shops and never to join in such illegal act.”

Mr Wahab said that the task force officials during the operation demolished makeshift shanties used for drug activities in the area and operatives deployed with Black Maria and stationed at the area to enforce compliance.  

The commissioner said the suspects would be charged to court.