The NDLEA has warned Nigerians about fake medicinal cannabis being sold in the country.
The alert followed the arrest of a Lagos dealer packaging dangerous synthetic drugs as medical products.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians against the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely marketed as medicinal cannabis.
The agency said the warning followed the arrest of a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer, identified as Afeez Salisu, also known as Malu, who was apprehended on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his residence on Akala Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos. According to the NDLEA, Salisu was packaging and distributing synthetic cannabis disguised as medicinal products.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed that a total of 16.4 kilograms of dangerous synthetic cannabis strains, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud, were recovered from the suspect’s store. The drugs were packaged in branded pouches and cups labelled as “medicinal cannabis” to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
Babafemi explained that investigations confirmed the seized products contained dangerously high concentrations of harmful substances, noting that these variants are known for their extreme potency and devastating psychological effects. He stressed that such substances could cause psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive damage, particularly among young users.
“These so-called medicinal products are not safe pharmaceutical preparations but highly addictive and toxic psychoactive substances,” Babafemi said.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the fake medicinal cannabis as a deceptive ploy by criminal elements taking advantage of global discussions on therapeutic cannabis to promote their illegal trade. He warned that cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product being sold as “medicinal cannabis” within the country is both dangerous and illegal.
Marwa urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report anyone involved in the sale or distribution of such fake products. “Do not consume these substances. Report any person or group engaged in this illegal trade to the nearest NDLEA office,” he advised.
