From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, Mr Orakwe Chibuike Celestine, for engaging in sales of illicit and controlled drugs on the popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.
The suspect, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja, registered the pharmaceutical company on December 16, 2014, with the certificate and support of a licensed pharmacist, who opted out of the deal in 2017.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said the suspect continued running the business and enrolled it on Jiji.ng platform in 2019.
He 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/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 the Jabi area of Abuja where he had gone to make some supplies of orders made through his online channel on Jiji.ng.
In his reaction to Orakwe’s arrest, Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed 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 illicit/controlled drugs that the Agency will definitely get them to face the consequences of their action.