Once confined to notorious hubs such as Akala in Mushin, Oju Ina on Lagos Island, and Akerele in Agege, illicit drug activity in Lagos State is now spreading into new communities, a trend that has raised alarm among residents and law enforcement.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has identified fresh hotspots, including Agarawu and Petty on Lagos Island; Ladega in Ikorodu; 31 Road, Gowon Estate in Alimosho; Pen Cinema in Agege; Yan Kaji, Alaba Rago in Ojo; Ipodo in Ikeja; Oshodi; General Paint in Ajah; and Fagba in Agege.

The substances in circulation range from cannabis variants known as Kolos, SK, Arizona, Loud, and Gbana, to methamphetamine (Ice), cocaine in crack or powder form, mixed drinks such as Monkey Tail and Skuches, and pharmaceuticals like D5, Exol-5, Tramadol and Sweenol.

NDLEA: Raids, prosecutions and sensitisation

Speaking to Saturday Tribune, Lagos NDLEA spokesperson Mallum Musa said: ?The NDLEA tackles the menace in two ways: first, by constant raids in these areas, arresting barons, and prosecuting them at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Second, by going to these communities to enlighten and sensitize residents about the dangers of illicit drug sales, trafficking, and abuse ? on health, children, economic development, social stability, and crime rates.?

Musa added: ?All these areas are large, and the drug merchants live among residents who know them. NDLEA operatives are not spirits; we need information and intelligence from patriotic citizens, with concrete addresses. The public often sees groups of boys smoking and becomes alarmed. But according to the law, users are sick people. Even if we arrest them, we can?t prosecute without tangible evidence or exhibits.

?We need detailed information about the dealers, barons, and traffickers in these communities. When we get such information, we go after them.?

Gowon Estate residents speak

A resident of Gowon Estate, who identified himself as Adekunle, said: ?It?s good that NDLEA has identified 31 Road as a drug hub. It?s not the only place in our community where drugs are sold, but it?s where most of the barons stay. It started with the growing nightlife in Gowon Estate, but hotels and lounges now use drugs to attract customers. Most hotels, bars, and other places on Road 31 openly sell all kinds of illicit drugs.?

He recalled: ?There was a time the task force raided the whole of Road 31, and we thought the drug business was finished. But those arrested were released, and the business resumed. The NDLEA should ensure constant raids on these drug spots because more youths are getting involved.?

Another resident, Atta Folorunsho, added: ?I live around Gowon Estate, Egbeda. Two notorious drug spots are here. One is an open space on 31 Road where drugs are sold openly. Users take them without fear, even in front of security agents. Whenever they are raided, they return within three hours, as their leaders ?settle? the operatives.

?Those on 31 Road don?t harass law-abiding citizens, but criminals from far and near come here to buy. In Kokumo, Alimosho, drug dealers are more dangerous. They intimidate and harass residents freely. Many are landlord?s children whose parents shield them from the law.?

Fagba, Agege and the Abattoir axis

Christopher Chukwuka, a resident of Fagba, said: ?Drug abuse in Fagba is becoming embarrassing. It?s a meeting point for people heading to Ile Epo Oja Oba Market and the Abattoir. People come from northern Nigeria with assorted drugs. At the Abattoir, many people sleep around, and there used to be a makeshift settlement along the railway line.

?The task force tries to address the issue, but it?s like dealing with ants; the more they clear them, the more new people come. Many in the Abattoir are involved in drugs and see nothing wrong with it. This has badly influenced children, some as young as primary school age smoke and drink illicit substances, then go to Oja Oba Market where northern visitors bring more drugs hidden in livestock deliveries.?

Chukwuka added: ?This has also affected commercial motorcyclists and tricycle riders, mostly from the north. Between 7 pm and 10 pm, you find them gathered, smoking and drinking. They also take concoctions like monkey tail, and shisha is very common. The youths are heavily influenced.

?The government must act urgently to dismantle these groups. Makeshift settlements should be regularly destroyed as they serve as hideouts. You can tell from the reckless riding of bikes and tricycles that they are intoxicated. The area suffers from rape, robbery, and violence linked to drugs. This needs decisive action.?

Community leaders call for action

Adegoroye, a community leader in Agege, said: ?People talk of insecurity in Agege without knowing the root cause, drugs and alcohol. In the past, Akerele was the only hotspot, but now drug enclaves have spread across communities, increasing insecurity. Some areas are no-go zones at night. The railway line is a notorious hangout for drug users.?

He advised: ?The government and police must go after drug barons and their agents. That is not only a way to fight insecurity but also a way to secure the future of our youths.? (Saturday Tribune)

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