NDLEA alerts on fake medicinal cannabis, recovers large consignment, arrests kingpin
- They contain illicit substances dangerous to health, Marwa warns
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a
public warning about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances falsely
packaged and sold as medicinal cannabis across parts of Nigeria.
The agency’s alert follows the arrest of a 28-year-old
suspected drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu,
who was apprehended on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2 Akala Street,
off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin-Lagos. According to the NDLEA, Salisu had
been packaging and distributing the fake medicinal products in designer pouches
and cups.
During the operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 16.4
kilograms of synthetic and highly potent strains of cannabis, including Colorado,
Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud. The substances
were deceptively labelled and marketed as medicinal cannabis.
In a statement released by Femi Babafemi, Director of
Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, the agency emphasized that these
products are not regulated or safe pharmaceutical preparations, but
rather adulterated and dangerous psychoactive substances posing severe
health risks, particularly to young people.
“Investigations have confirmed that the seized products contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis,” the statement read. “These substances can cause severe mental health issues such as psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairments.”
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen.
Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), condemned the deceptive trade, noting that
criminal elements were exploiting the global conversation around medicinal
cannabis to peddle harmful drugs.
“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria,” Marwa stated. “Any product being sold locally under the guise of medicinal cannabis is fake, dangerous, and illegal. These criminals are merely using the term to deceive and destroy lives.”
He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to remain vigilant
and not be swayed by appealing packaging or misleading health claims.
“Please do not consume such products,” he warned. “Report anyone involved in the sale or distribution of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office.”
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to combating the spread of illicit drugs and protecting public health and safety across the nation.
0 Comments