Kano—The Kano State Government has launched a decisive offensive against drug abuse, resulting in the immediate closure of a popular shisha lounge, Arfat, located along Abdullahi Bayero Road.
The raid was executed on Monday as a joint operation involving the Kano State Tourism Board, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state, and the Kano State Police Command. The coordinated action is part of the state government’s intensified campaign targeting illegal substances and drug use across the metropolis.
Speaking on the enforcement measure, Alhaji Tukur Bala Sagagi, Chairman of the Kano State Tourism Board, confirmed that the closure was carried out strictly under the state’s legal framework.
“There is a law that prohibits shisha smoking in Kano State, and the government will not tolerate anyone violating it,” Alhaji Sagagi stated.
During the operation, NDLEA officers detained several suspects reportedly linked to illegal activities and the distribution of prohibited substances found at the lounge.
The raid marks a firm commitment by the state government to uphold public safety and morality laws, particularly those designed to curb substance abuse among youth.
Alhaji Sagagi issued a strong warning to the proprietors of other establishments believed to be facilitating drug use or other illegal activities.
He urged owners of similar spots to “clean up their places or shut them down before the government takes action,” signalling that the crackdown is set to continue.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under whose purview the Tourism Board falls, is focusing its efforts on ensuring that public spaces comply with state laws as part of a broader strategy against societal issues like drug abuse.
