PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR ON NARCOTICS AND ILLICIT DRUGS MONITORING, IMO STATE GOVERNMENT
Date: 22nd May, 2026
PUBLIC WARNING TO HOTEL OWNERS AND MANAGERS: DESIST FROM HARBORING DRUG TRAFFICKERS OR FACE PROSECUTION
The Office of the Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring has observed with deep concern a disturbing pattern across Imo State where hotels and guest houses are being used as safe havens for drug trafficking and abuse.
Intelligence gathered and recent enforcement operations reveal that:
1. *Drug dealers are lodging in hotels for prolonged periods* and using the rooms as operational bases to store, package, and distribute narcotics and psychotropic substances.
2. *Drug users are visiting these traffickers in their hotel rooms* to consume illicit substances, turning the premises into consumption dens.
3. *Some hotel management and staff are complicit* either by turning a blind eye or by receiving financial benefits from these illegal activities.
This practice constitutes a direct violation of the *National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 LFN 2004*, the *Criminal Code*, and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 26 of the NDLEA Act specifically criminalizes the use of any premises for unlawful drug-related activities and provides forfeiture of such premises and prosecution of owners and occupiers.
Therefore, the Office of the Special Adviser hereby warns all hotel owners, managers, and operators in Imo State:
1. *Immediately cease* allowing your hotels to be used for the trafficking, storage, or consumption of illicit drugs.
2. *Conduct proper guest verification* and maintain accurate records of all lodgers in line with security protocols.
3. *Report any suspicious activity* involving drug trafficking or use to the NDLEA Imo Command or this Office without delay. Failure to report is an offence.
4. *Install and maintain CCTV and other security measures* to monitor activities within your premises.
5. *Cooperate fully* with law enforcement agencies during inspections, investigations, and raids.
Notice: Any hotel found to be harboring drug dealers or permitting drug use on its premises will face:
– Immediate sealing and forfeiture of the property;
– Arrest and prosecution of owners, managers, and complicit staff;
– Revocation of business license and operating permit.
The Imo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, will not allow hotels to become hubs for criminality that destroys our youth and fuels insecurity. Profit made from drug trafficking is blood money and will not be tolerated.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any hotel suspected of involvement in drug trafficking by contacting:
NDLEA Imo State Command
Office of the Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring*: 08103201800
Signed
Hon Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna
Special Adviser To the Governor
Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring
Imo State Government
“A Safe Imo is a Drug-Free Imo. Say No to Drug Trafficking in Our Hotels.”
