Agency warns landlords against allowing properties to be used for drug sales as enforcement focus shifts to forfeiture of crime proceeds

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with a civil society organisation, the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), has announced plans to intensify the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking across Lagos State.

The move targets properties used to harbour drug dealers and other proceeds connected to illicit drug activities.

The disclosure was made by the President of ECAPI, Mr. Sam Adams, during a large-scale anti-drug advocacy campaign organised by the Lagos State Strategic Command of the NDLEA in partnership with ECAPI.

Adams said the campaign underscored a zero-tolerance stance against drug abuse and trafficking, warning landlords against permitting their properties to be used for drug-related activities.

“Drugs are destroying lives, health, dreams and the economy. We are declaring zero tolerance. Landlords who allow their properties to be used for drug sales should know that such assets are liable to forfeiture,” he said.

According to Adams, the advocacy walk commenced from Maryland and passed through Mushin, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Costain and Lagos Island, with NDLEA officers and ECAPI volunteers engaging residents, youths and suspected drug users in several local languages.

He described ECAPI’s partnership with the NDLEA as productive, adding that similar collaborations have been extended to other security agencies.

Speaking during the sensitisation exercise, the Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Abubakar Wali, said the agency had strengthened its enforcement strategy by placing greater emphasis on the recovery of proceeds from drug-related crimes.

Wali noted that asset forfeiture remains a key tool in dismantling drug networks and discouraging the use of residential and commercial properties for illicit drug activities.