Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have uncovered a major suspected drug trafficking operation in Lagos, recovering hundreds of bags of high-grade cannabis popularly known as “Canadian Loud” with an estimated street value of ₦7.8 billion.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out in collaboration with the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and divisional detectives, targeted an apartment located within a residential estate in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos.
Police authorities confirmed that the raid led to the arrest of multiple suspects, including the alleged ringleader, 41-year-old Eke Henry Ifeanyi, who was reportedly found in possession of the illicit consignment.
Addressing journalists shortly after the operation, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed that the suspect had been under surveillance since May 19 before operatives moved in to execute the raid.
According to the AIG, investigators uncovered large quantities of the banned substance concealed within the residence during the operation.
In a dramatic twist, police alleged that the prime suspect attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million in an effort to stop the operation and buy time for accomplices to relocate the drugs.
“The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander to make the team stand down and allow him contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere,” Jimoh stated.
He said the bribe offer was immediately rejected and officially documented as part of ongoing investigations.
Jimoh described the operation as a major breakthrough for the Nigeria Police Force’s intelligence-driven policing strategy under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
He noted that specialised tactical units such as the SPU were increasingly being deployed alongside divisional commands to combat organised criminal networks, particularly drug trafficking syndicates operating within urban centres.
“The operation highlights improved synergy between tactical formations and divisional commands, as well as the importance of professionalism and integrity among officers,” he added.
Reacting to the development, IGP Disu commended the officers involved, especially the SPU commander for rejecting the alleged bribe attempt.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect,” the IGP said.
He further stated that the success of the operation justified the ongoing redeployment of personnel across Lagos and Ogun states to strengthen grassroots policing and intelligence gathering.
According to police authorities, all exhibits recovered during the raid have been properly documented and will be tendered in court as investigations continue.
The suspects remain in police custody while authorities intensify efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged trafficking network.
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