A major anti-drug operation in Lagos has uncovered a suspected trafficking network after police operatives recovered large quantities of synthetic cannabis reportedly valued at N7.8 billion.
The operation, carried out by the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command, led to the arrest of several suspects, including an alleged drug kingpin identified as 41-year-old Eke Henry Ifeanyi.
Authorities said the raid happened inside a residential estate in Mende, Maryland, where hundreds of bags containing the cannabis strain known as “Canadian Loud” were allegedly discovered.
The development has attracted nationwide attention after police revealed that the suspect allegedly offered officers a N500 million bribe to stop the operation.
According to police authorities, the operation was intelligence-driven and followed months of close monitoring and surveillance around the suspect’s activities.
Furthermore, tactical officers from the Special Protection Unit, alongside divisional detectives, participated in the coordinated raid.
Speaking during a media briefing on Saturday, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, explained how the operation unfolded.
According to him, the command had monitored the suspect since May 19 before finally moving in for the arrest.
“The suspect offered a bribe of ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere,” Jimoh said.
However, the police boss stated that the bribe offer was immediately rejected and properly documented as part of ongoing investigations.
He added that the successful operation reflected the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led policing across Lagos and Ogun states.
Moreover, the police said the operation demonstrated improved cooperation between tactical teams and divisional commands.
AIG Jimoh also praised officers involved in the raid for maintaining professionalism during the operation despite the alleged bribe attempt.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reacted to the development and commended the officers for their conduct.
“The success validates the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun,” the IGP stated.
“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground,” he further said.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
In addition, police authorities confirmed that all recovered exhibits had been documented and would be presented in court.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into other individuals believed to be connected to the operation.
Authorities also said further arrests may be made, as more details emerge from ongoing interrogations.
