Warns Public Against Dangerous Psychoactive Substances Disguised as Therapeutic Products
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being deceptively marketed as medicinal cannabis in parts of the country.
In a statement released by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said the warning follows the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu (a.k.a. Malu), on Saturday, 1st November 2025, at his residence located at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin-Lagos. The suspect was reportedly behind the packaging and distribution of the fake products branded as medicinal cannabis and sold 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, all packaged and falsely labelled as therapeutic cannabis.
According to Babafemi, investigations confirmed that the substances were not medicinal but rather dangerous psychoactive drugs with extremely high potency and harmful effects. “These products being peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains known for their devastating impact on mental and physical health,” he said.
He further noted that the consumption of such substances poses serious risks, including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairment, especially among young people.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), cautioned Nigerians to beware of criminals exploiting global discussions on medicinal cannabis to promote dangerous and illegal substances.
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are only exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit and life-destroying products into our communities. Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and as such, any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake and dangerous but also illegal,” Marwa stated.
He urged the public to be vigilant and not fall for misleading labels, attractive packaging, or false health claims. He also called on citizens to report anyone involved in the illicit trade to the nearest NDLEA office.
“Please do not consume it. Report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office,” he appealed.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and reiterated that no form of cannabis is legally approved for medical or recreational use in Nigeria.