The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a criminal network disguising potent illicit drugs as medicinal cannabis.
The NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, warned Nigerians, particularly young people, of the grave health dangers associated with the fake products.
The anti-narcotic agency announced the seizure of a large consignment of synthetic and high-grade cannabis strains and the arrest of a suspected kingpin behind the criminal trade in Lagos.
The arrest followed what ot described as reliable intelligence, leading operatives to storm a residential hideout at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi-Oro in Mushin, Lagos, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
During the operation, NDLEA apprehended 28-year-old Afeez Salisu, otherwise known as Malu, who was allegedly running a drug packaging and distribution operation from the location.
The agency said Salisu specialised in repackaging illicit psychoactive substances in fancy designer pouches and cups to deceive unsuspecting buyers into believing they were purchasing legally approved medicinal cannabis. It described the ploy as a growing tactic among drug syndicates seeking to exploit global advocacy around medical cannabis.
A total of 16.4 kilograms of high-potency and synthetic cannabis strains, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud, were recovered from the apartment. According to NDLEA, the narcotics were found neatly packaged and branded as medicinal products, ready for circulation across Lagos and beyond.
The anti-narcotic agency stressed that the recovered products are adulterated and highly dangerous psychoactive substances, not regulated, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, as falsely advertised. It warned that the so-called therapeutic packs contain concentrated doses of illicit variants linked to severe neurological and psychological disorders.
NDLEA investigations reportedly confirmed that the seized cannabis strains are notorious for extremely high potency, posing immediate and long-term health threats to users. The agency raised alarm over the likelihood of addiction, acute psychosis, paranoia, anxiety disorders, and long-lasting cognitive damage, especially among young first-time users.
In a reaction to the bust, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), condemned the syndicate’s attempt to exploit public curiosity and misinformation around medicinal cannabis. He reiterated that cannabis remains an illegal drug in Nigeria, and any product marketed locally as medicinal cannabis is fraudulent, harmful and unlawful.
Marwa described the arrested suspect and his accomplices as criminal opportunists who are taking advantage of public interest in global cannabis reforms to push life-destroying substances into communities. He urged Nigerians to recognise the deception and avoid falling victim to packaging gimmicks, false health claims and social media hype.
The NDLEA chief further called for heightened public vigilance, appealing to citizens to report anyone selling or advertising suspicious cannabis-based products to the nearest NDLEA office. He warned that the agency would intensify its clampdown on such illegal activities nationwide to protect public health and safeguard young Nigerians.
The operation, the NDLEA noted, underscores its ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country. Assuring that investigations are underway to trace and apprehend other members of the drug ring and block further production and distribution of the dangerous fake medicinal drugs.
