NDLEA Arrest Owner of Pharmaceutical Store For Allegedly Selling Controlled Drugs On Jiji

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, have arrested one Mr. Orakwe Chibuike Celestine of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, for engaging in alleged sales of illicit and controlled drugs on popular online e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng

According to Director, Media & Advocacy of the Agency Femi Babafemi in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Orakwe a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja registered the pharmaceutical company on 16th December 2014 with the certificate and support of a licensed pharmacist, who opted out of the deal in 2017.

Also Read: Kwara budget 2021: PDP Condemns Govt plans to borrow money to fund projects, says APC govt can't account for huge financial inflows to the State since May 2019

“The suspect continued running the business and enrolled it on Jiji.ng platform in 2019. He however came under NDLEA’s radar in October 2021 when he advertised many pharmaceutical products such as Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, Hypnox flunitrazepam tablets among others on the Jiji.ng online marketplace.”

Adding that between 26th October 2021 and 8th August 2022, the team of anti-narcotic officers assigned to investigate Orakwe’s drug business activities was able to establish the suspect was selling Tramadol 225mg and other illicit/controlled drugs through the e-commerce platform.

Also Read: NDLEA Intercepts N4.5b Heroin In Baby Food

“As a result, the suspect was arrested with some quantities of Tramadol and Swiphnol brand of Rohypnol on Monday 8th August at a drink joint in Jabi area of Abuja where he had gone to make some supplies of orders made through his online channel on Jiji.ng”.

Also Read: NSCDC Bemoans Influence of Hard Drugs in Rising Crime Rate, Seeks NDLEA Collaboration

In his reaction to Orakwe’s arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa Retd said the painstaking investigation and process of arresting the businessman should send a strong message to those hiding behind the internet to engage in marketing and selling of illicit/controlled drugs that the Agency will definitely get them to face the consequences of their action.