The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, Mr. Orakwe Chibuike Celestine has been arrested by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Abuja.
Celestine was apprehended for engaging in sale of illicit and controlled drugs on popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja.
The Network gathered that 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.
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.
“He however came under NDLEA’s radar in October 2021 when he advertised many pharmaceutical products such as Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, 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.
According to the statement, the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), while reacting on the arrest of the suspect, said it’s a strong message to those using Internet to market illicit drugs.
“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 definitely get them to face the consequences of their action.” The statement reads.