No fewer than 20 suspects have been apprehended following a major crackdown on illicit drug activities in parts of Lagos State by the Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce.
According to The PUNCH, the operation, which targeted black spots in Gowon Estate and the Egbeda area, led to the recovery of assorted illegal substances and cash believed to be proceeds from the drug trade.
The Tuesday raid focused on notorious locations, including 31 Road intersection, Wole Omo-Osho, and Idoani Streets in Gowon Estate, as well as the Egbeda market area along the Egbeda-Idimu Road.
In a statement, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources confirmed the dismantling of makeshift stalls at Idoani Street, identified as hideouts for drug peddlers.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, hailed the successful operation via his official handle on X, formerly Twitter.
“In a swift enforcement operation yesterday, our Environmental Taskforce team dismantled makeshift structures in dark spots used for peddling illicit drugs around Gowon Estate and Egbeda,” Wahab stated.
“Twenty suspects were arrested, and various illicit substances and cash were recovered. These criminal hideouts will no longer be tolerated in Lagos State,” he added.
Wahab emphasized the government’s commitment to reclaiming public spaces from criminal elements, warning that illegalities threatening residents’ safety would be firmly dealt with.
“We have zero tolerance for criminal activities in our communities. Our resolve to reclaim and secure Lagos for law-abiding citizens is unwavering,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted, adding that similar operations will be intensified to safeguard the state.
Residents were also urged to report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities to support ongoing efforts to sanitize Lagos.
