NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake ‘Medicinal Cannabis’, Arrests Drug Kingpin in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the circulation of dangerous substances being deceptively packaged and sold as medicinal cannabis.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the alert followed the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin on Saturday, November 1, at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos.

According to the agency, the suspect operated a distribution hub where he packaged and sold the illicit products in designer pouches and cups labeled as medicinal cannabis.

> “A total of 16.4 kilograms of dangerous synthetic strains of cannabis were recovered from his store,” the NDLEA stated.
“These include Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud, packaged in designer materials and falsely branded as medicinal cannabis.”

The agency cautioned Nigerians, particularly youths, that these products are not genuine pharmaceutical preparations but highly potent and adulterated substances.

Investigations revealed that the seized products contain dangerously high concentrations of psychoactive compounds. These strains, Loud, Arizona, and Colorado, are known to cause severe psychological and physical effects, including addiction, paranoia, acute anxiety, and psychosis.

> “These are not regulated medicinal cannabis products. They pose a significant and immediate threat to public health and safety,” the statement warned.

NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, condemned the criminals behind the scheme, accusing them of exploiting global discussions around medical cannabis to promote illegal and harmful drugs.

> “Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria. Any product marketed locally as medicinal cannabis is fake, dangerous, and illegal,” Marwa said.


He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid consuming such products, and immediately report anyone involved in their sale or distribution to the nearest NDLEA office.

> “Do not be deceived by fancy packaging or false health claims,” Marwa added. “Report such criminal activities to protect our communities.”

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the trafficking and abuse of drugs across the country and protecting young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.