Anambra demolishes brothel used for drug trafficking, prostitution, arrests 38 persons

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By Madu Obi

The operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have demolished a brothel allegedly used for drug trafficking and apprehended 38 persons, made up of 20 suspected female commercial sex workers and 18 males, during a raid on the facility in Okpuno area of Awka.

Among those arrested include the manager of the facility, a supervisor, a bar attendant, and a storekeeper.

The operatives, who stormed the brothel at night, described the brothel as a major criminal hub allegedly involved in prostitution and the peddling of hard drugs.

Items recovered during the operation include suspected illicit substances such as Tramadol, Indian hemp, nitrous oxide, Rohypnol, and a locally made single-barreled short gun.

The manager of the centre, Paul Chibuike, admitted that drugs were sold within the premises, even as he denied ownership of the firearm.

He also claimed that some of the suspected sex workers were students who frequented the centre on weekends to earn money for their upkeep.

Chibuike, who said he was only managing the business for his employer, further disclosed that his employer owns another drug outlet on Abakaliki Street, a known red-light district in Awka.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, said the facility would be confiscated by the Anambra State government in line with the provisions of the State Homeland Security Law 2025, following the incriminating discoveries made during the raid.

Meanwhile, the one-storey building housing the brothel has been demolished by the Anambra State Government.