The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on criminal hideouts with the demolition of a building used as a brothel in Awka, arresting its manager and over 20 suspected sex workers.

The demolished property, identified as Airtight Guest House and Bar, is located at Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area. Authorities had earlier flagged the facility as a hotspot for illicit activities, including drug peddling and other crimes.

The operation followed a raid carried out on Saturday by operatives of Agunechemba, a local security outfit in the state. During the exercise, the team apprehended the facility’s manager, a storekeeper, a barman, about 20 suspected commercial sex workers, and several male customers.

The security team, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, also recovered a large cache of suspected hard drugs from the premises.

Among the substances reportedly seized were Tramadol, Indian hemp, nitrous oxide, Rohypnol, and other controlled drugs believed to have been distributed from the facility.

The manager of the guest house, Paul Chibuike, popularly known as “Mandela,” reportedly admitted involvement in drug-related activities during interrogation. He also disclosed that the premises were rented out to sex workers for short-term use.

Chibuike, who hails from Ebonyi State, told authorities that he was managing the business on behalf of an absentee owner based in Nnewi. He further alleged that the owner operates another drug outlet in Awka’s Abakiliki Street area.

According to him, the management enforced strict monitoring of activities within the brothel, particularly to prevent overnight stays by clients.

Security operatives also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun from the premises. However, the manager claimed the weapon had been abandoned by a patron of the facility.

Speaking during the demolition, Emeakayi warned landlords and property owners to thoroughly verify the identity and activities of prospective tenants, stressing that negligence could attract severe consequences.

He explained that the demolition was carried out in line with provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which empowers the government to seal or demolish properties linked to criminal activities such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other offences.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on crime across the state, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid enforcement efforts.