The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned Nigerians against the growing circulation of illicit substances falsely promoted as medicinal cannabis, following the arrest of a major drug trafficker and the seizure of a large consignment in Lagos.
According to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA operatives apprehended 28-year-old Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, on Saturday, November 1, at his residence on Akala Street, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos. He was reportedly involved in packaging and distributing synthetic cannabis disguised as therapeutic marijuana.
During the operation, officers recovered 16.4 kilograms of assorted psychoactive strains, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud. The drugs were repackaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as “medicinal cannabis,” aimed at deceiving unsuspecting consumers about their content and safety.
The agency described the seized items as highly potent and adulterated variants of cannabis containing synthetic compounds capable of causing severe mental and physical health damage.
“These are not legitimate pharmaceutical products but dangerous narcotics being pushed into communities under false pretences,” the NDLEA stated.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)
, condemned the criminal network behind the illegal trade, warning that the agency would not relent in dismantling syndicates exploiting public ignorance and the global debate around medicinal cannabis.
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are exploiting the global conversation on medicinal cannabis to push their life-destroying products,” Marwa said. “Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product sold as ‘medicinal cannabis’ is fake, dangerous, and illegal.”
He further urged Nigerians, especially young people, to remain alert and report suspicious drug-related activities or products to the nearest NDLEA office.
“Please do not consume such products,” he cautioned. “Report anyone involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances.”
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening its nationwide operations to dismantle drug networks threatening communities across Nigeria.
