The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Mr. Orakwe Chibuike Celestine, MD/CEO of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, for selling illegal drugs on the popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.
According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s spokesman, Orakwe, 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 2019, the suspect continued to operate the business and listed it on the Jiji.ng platform.” He did, however, come under NDLEA’s scrutiny in October 2021 when he advertised a variety of pharmaceutical products on the Jiji.ng online marketplace, including Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, and Hypnox flunitrazepam tablets, among others.
“Between October 26th, 2021 and August 8th, 2022, the team of anti-narcotic officers assigned to investigate Orakwe’s drug business activities discovered the suspect was selling Tramadol 225mg and other illicit/controlled drugs through the e-commerce platform.”
“As a result, the suspect was arrested on Monday 8th August with some quantities of Tramadol and Swiphnol brand of Rohypnol 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,” Babafemi said.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, commented on Orakwe’s arrest, saying 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.
