Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have raided a party venue in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory, and arrested some individuals.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement.
The operatives sealed the venue of the party, Diplomatic Suite Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja in a joint operation with men of the Department of State Services (DSS) to stop a cannabis party and the launch of a suspected new psychoactive drink.
According to Babafemi, the party which was organised by three ladies happened on Wednesday night.
He said about 200 attendees, including three young ladies who organised the hemp party, are currently being profiled and interviewed while bottles of the new drink have been taken for lab analysis.
Babafemi said the hotel was raided at about 8:18pm on Wednesday following actionable intelligence that some youths were planning to hold a hemp party at the hotel. He added that quantities of cannabis sativa were recovered from the pockets and bags of those arrested at the hemp party.
“The audacious party no doubt is part of attempts by some elements to create a drug subculture in the Nigerian social space.
“The NDLEA will however continue to work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure abuse of illicit substances is not allowed to get entrenched in the country under any guise,” Babafemi said.
It will be recalled that the agency has been engaged in a battle against the abuse of drugs and substances in the country.
Confirming the arrest, Babafemi said, “We arrested some youths holding a hemp party in Abuja. In addition to the party is the launching of a new drink. The party was organised by three ladies. They are in our custody. We will issue a statement on the incident shortly.”
