What appeared to be an ordinary residential property in Apapa, Lagos, allegedly housed an illegal cannabis cultivation operation. The Lagos State Police Command uncovered the indoor farm, where cannabis plants were reportedly grown in cups for sale.
The discovery has raised fresh concerns about illegal drug activities operating within residential communities. Speaking after the operation, the property manager explained how a foreigner allegedly introduced the idea. He claimed the man had become stranded after the company that brought him to Nigeria experienced difficulties.
He said he offered to help the foreigner before the cannabis cultivation plan emerged.
“The gentleman here found himself in a fix in Nigeria, and I decided to give him a hand. However, he needed to find a way to go out of the country after the company that brought him had pretty much not worked out for them. They fell on bad times.
“So l said, okay, anything he needs help with, he should let me know. A couple of days later, he came with this idea. I said, well, I hope everything works out well for him. But then again, I found myself here with it.”
The manager denied planning to make money from the alleged operation. He described his involvement as an attempt to assist someone in difficulty.
“I had no intentions to profit from it. I’m a businessman. I just happened to be someone who fell in the hands of trying to help another fellow. That’s it,” he said.
When asked who suggested growing cannabis, the manager identified the foreigner. He also acknowledged some involvement, explaining that he managed the property. He further claimed that the foreigner handled the cannabis sales before the operation was uncovered.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police described the discovery as another achievement in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
The commissioner urged residents to remain alert and pay attention to activities within their neighbourhoods. He also encouraged landlords and residents to understand what happens inside properties around them.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the full details of the operation. They also pledged to continue efforts against illegal drug cultivation and distribution.
