NDLEA arrests Abuja businessman for online sales of illicit drugs

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, Mr. Orakwe Chibuike Celestine, for engaging in sales of illicit and controlled drugs on popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.

Spokesperson for the agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed the arrest in a statement yesterday, said the suspect continued running the business and enrolled it on Jiji.ng platform in 2019.
     
The suspect, he said, 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.

“As a result, the suspect was arrested with some quantities of tramadol and swiphnol brand of rohypnol on Monday, August 8 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,” the statement added.
  
Reacting , Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed 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.