The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has arrested 20 individuals in a targeted enforcement operation against illicit drug peddling in Gowon Estate and Egbeda, recovering various substances and cash believed to be proceeds from illegal activities.
The raids, which took place on Tuesday, focused on notorious black spots including the 31 Road intersection, Wole Omo-Osho and Idoani Streets in Gowon Estate, as well as the Egbeda market area along the Egbeda-Idimu Road.
A statement from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources confirmed that the operation led to the complete removal of makeshift stalls at the junction of Idoani Street.
Intelligence reports had earlier revealed that the stalls were being used as safe havens for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs by criminal elements.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, took to his official X handle on Wednesday to commend the operation and warn criminal elements operating under the guise of informal trading.
“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.
“20 suspects were arrested, and various illicit substances and cash were recovered. These criminal hideouts will no longer be tolerated in Lagos State,” Wahab posted.
He added that the government is determined to sanitise public spaces and rid the state of all illegalities endangering the safety and well-being of residents.
“We have zero tolerance for criminal activities in our communities. Our resolve to reclaim and secure Lagos for law-abiding citizens is unwavering,” he stated.
The task force reiterated that all suspects arrested during the raid would be charged in court accordingly.
Officials also assured the public that operations of this nature will be sustained, as the state ramps up its efforts to make public spaces safer and free from the grip of criminal networks using informal settlements as cover.
Wahab urged residents to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
PUNCH
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