NDLEA ARRESTS BUSINESSMAN IN ABUJA FOR TRADING ILLICIT DRUGS ONLINE
The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Abuja, on Wednesday, arrested the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, Mr. Orakwe Chibuike Celestine.
Orakwe was picked up for trading in sales of illicit and controlled drugs using the popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.
A statement from the Director, Media, and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, said the suspect started running the business and enrolled it on Jiji. ng platform in 2019.
Femi Babafemi added that the suspect is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja.
According to him, Orakwe 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.
“He however came under NDLEA’s radar in October 2021 when he advertised many pharmaceutical products such as Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, and Hypnox flunitrazepam tablets among others on the Jiji.ng online marketplace.
“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 and controlled drugs through the e-commerce platform.
“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.” the statement said.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), while reacting to the arrest of the suspect, said it’s a strong message to drug traffickers.
“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 and controlled drugs that the Agency will consequences of their action,” Marwa stated
