The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has
raised an alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances falsely
marketed as medicinal cannabis across parts of Nigeria.
According to a statement from the agency’s Director of
Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the warning follows the arrest of a
28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu (a.k.a. Malu), on Saturday,
November 1, 2025, at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin,
Lagos.
NDLEA operatives recovered 16.4 kilograms of
synthetic and highly potent strains of cannabis — including Colorado,
Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud — all deceptively packaged in
designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis.
The agency explained that the seized products are not
legitimate pharmaceutical preparations but adulterated psychoactive
substances with high concentrations of harmful variants known for their extreme
potency and severe psychological effects.
“Investigations confirmed that these products, being
peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis, contain dangerously high
levels of illicit and destructive strains,” the NDLEA said.
“Rather than having any medicinal value, they pose a significant threat to
public health, being linked to psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and
long-term cognitive damage, especially among young people.”
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen.
Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), cautioned Nigerians not to fall for the
deception by criminal elements “exploiting the global conversation around
medicinal cannabis to push life-destroying products.”
“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria.
Any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’
is fake, dangerous, and illegal,” Marwa said.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and not be deceived by fancy
packaging or false health claims. Report anyone involved in this illicit trade
to the nearest NDLEA office.”
Issued by:
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Date: Wednesday, 5th November 2025
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