The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public warning about the spread of dangerous illicit drugs being falsely sold as medicinal cannabis across Nigeria.
According to the agency, the alert followed credible intelligence that led to the arrest of 28-year-old Afeez Salisu, also known as Malu, on November 1, 2025, at his residence on Akala Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos. Salisu was reportedly the mastermind behind a distribution network packaging and selling synthetic cannabis disguised as therapeutic marijuana.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that officers recovered 16.4 kilograms of highly potent and synthetic cannabis variants—including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud—packaged in designer pouches and cups labeled as medicinal cannabis.
The agency warned that these so-called medicinal products are in fact dangerous psychoactive substances with extreme potency and harmful health effects. Babafemi explained that investigations confirmed the substances contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit strains, known to cause psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, and long-term cognitive damage, particularly among young users.
The NDLEA further cautioned Nigerians to remain vigilant, emphasizing that these drugs are not approved pharmaceutical products and pose a serious public health risk. The agency reiterated its commitment to cracking down on drug syndicates attempting to exploit public ignorance under the guise of medical cannabis.
