NDLEA achieves final forfeiture of a multi-billion naira hotel and other assets.

The Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against illicit drug trafficking with the final forfeiture of a luxurious 80-room hotel and lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos, and other assets linked to a notorious drug trafficking cartel.

According to the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency's operatives had raided the hotel between April 25 and 26, uncovering a massive stash of 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, with a street value of N1.042 billion. The hotel, located at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim St. off Elsie Femi Pearse Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, was used as a front for distributing illicit substances.

The NDLEA operatives also recovered a range of vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, a Volkswagen delivery van, a KIA Ceranto car, a black-coloured Land Cruiser Prado, and several other luxury cars, as well as 84 television sets, 70 air conditioners, and 13 new fridges. The agency's efforts culminated in the final forfeiture orders issued by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala on July 18, following a motion filed by the NDLEA.

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the team that handled the case, praising the judiciary for delivering swift judgments that reinforced the deterrent impact of the agency's efforts. "Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when criminals are made to forfeit all they have acquired through the proceeds of their illicit drug trade," he said.

This significant breakthrough is a testament to the NDLEA's unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Nigeria. The agency's relentless efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking cartels will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on the country's drug control efforts.