The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sounded a strong warning to Nigerians over the circulation of fake medicinal cannabis products laced with illicit and highly dangerous substances.
The agency issued the public alert following the arrest of a 28-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, at his residence at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
Salisu was reportedly nabbed on Saturday, November 1, 2025, after operatives of the NDLEA stormed his base where he was said to have been packaging and distributing synthetic cannabis falsely labelled as “medicinal cannabis” in designer pouches and cups.
During the raid, NDLEA recovered 16.4 kilograms of illicit substances made up of dangerous strains such as Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud, all disguised as therapeutic cannabis products.
The anti-narcotics agency, in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the products were found to contain extremely potent psychoactive components that pose a grave danger to public health.
The NDLEA explained that investigations revealed that the fake “medicinal cannabis” contained dangerously high concentrations of synthetic and harmful strains of cannabis known to cause severe psychological and mental disorders.
“These so-called medicinal products are adulterated and highly potent psychoactive substances, not the safe, regulated pharmaceutical preparations they are claimed to be,” the agency warned.
It added that the substances are capable of triggering psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia and long-term cognitive impairment, especially among young users.
Speaking on the development, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said criminal syndicates are exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit trade.
“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 said.
Marwa, a former military administrator, cautioned the public, especially the youth, to be wary of products with misleading labels or fancy packaging.
“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 urged.
The NDLEA boss reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to clamp down on drug syndicates across the country, warning that those caught peddling fake medicinal products will face the full weight of the law.
The agency, in its closing note, reiterated that cannabis remains a banned substance in Nigeria and that its purported medicinal versions currently being circulated are unsafe, illegal, and a serious threat to public health.
NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Fake Medicinal Cannabis, Arrests Kingpin in Lagos
