The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public warning about the circulation of illicit drugs falsely marketed as medicinal cannabis in parts of Lagos State.
The agency said credible intelligence led to the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect, identified as Afeez Salisu (a.k.a. Malu), on November 1, 2025, at 2 Akala Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, where he was allegedly packaging and distributing synthetic and high-potency cannabis strains disguised as medicinal products.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA said operatives recovered 16.4 kilograms of substances, including strains identified as Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud, all packaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis.
The agency warned that the seized products, though marketed as therapeutic, were in fact dangerous psychoactive substances with severe mental and physical health risks.
According to Babafemi, investigations confirmed that the products contained “dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis known for their extreme potency and psychological effects.”
He added that the substances were capable of triggering psychosis, paranoia, acute anxiety, and long-term cognitive impairment, especially among young users.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), said criminal elements were exploiting public interest in medicinal cannabis to promote illegal drug sales, reminding the public that cannabis remains prohibited in Nigeria.
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are exploiting global conversations around medicinal cannabis to push their life-destroying products into our communities. Any product being sold locally under the guise of medicinal cannabis is fake, dangerous, and illegal,” Marwa said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, not to be deceived by attractive packaging or false health claims, and to report anyone involved in such illegal activities to the nearest NDLEA office.
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