The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being deceptively packaged and marketed as medicinal cannabis across parts of the country.
The warning followed a major operation that led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, at his hideout located at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided the site on Saturday, November 1, 2025, uncovering and seizing 16.4 kilograms of dangerous synthetic cannabis strains including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud. The drugs were found packaged in designer pouches and cups falsely labelled as medicinal cannabis products.
In a public alert issued on Wednesday, the agency warned Nigerians especially young people to beware of such deceptive products, which it described as highly potent, addictive, and dangerous psychoactive substances falsely presented as safe therapeutic preparations.
“Investigations have confirmed that the seized products contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit cannabis strains known for extreme potency and devastating effects on mental health,” the NDLEA stated.
“These substances can cause psychosis, paranoia, acute anxiety, and long-term cognitive impairment, particularly among young users.”
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), condemned the criminal syndicates behind the operation, accusing them of exploiting global discussions on medicinal cannabis to push deadly narcotics into Nigerian communities.
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are only exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit and life-destroying products into our communities,” Marwa said.
“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake and dangerous but also illegal.”
He urged members of the public not to fall for misleading labels, attractive packaging, or false health claims, warning that the substances could have devastating consequences on users’ mental and physical well-being.
“Please do not consume it,” Marwa cautioned. “Report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office.”
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through intensified surveillance, intelligence operations, and nationwide crackdowns on drug trafficking networks.
