Fake medicinal cannabis floods markets, NDLEA raises alarm and arrests major distributor
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sounded a public alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances deceitfully branded and sold as medicinal cannabis across parts of Nigeria.
This 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. The suspect was reportedly behind the large-scale packaging and distribution of the fake medicinal cannabis concealed 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 deceptively packaged and labelled as legitimate medicinal products.
The agency, in its public advisory, warned that these so-called medicinal products are in fact adulterated and dangerously potent psychoactive substances, not the regulated pharmaceutical-grade cannabis often discussed in global health circles.
Investigations revealed that the seized products contain extremely high concentrations of illicit compounds, known to cause severe mental and physical health effects such as psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairment—particularly among young users.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), condemned the criminal exploitation of the “medicinal cannabis” narrative, noting that the traffickers are using misleading health claims and attractive packaging to market life-threatening substances.
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their dangerous, life-destroying products into our communities. Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is fake, illegal, and dangerous,” Marwa stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid consuming any unregulated cannabis-based product, and report anyone involved in the illicit trade to the nearest NDLEA office.
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