The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public alert over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely marketed as medicinal cannabis across Nigeria.
The warning 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 his residence located at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mishing, Lagos state.
According to the NDLEA, Salisu was allegedly packaging and distributing synthetic and highly potent cannabis strains in designer pouches and cups labeled as medicinal cannabis. During the raid, operatives recovered 16.4 kilograms of illicit substances, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud, all synthetic and dangerously strong variants of cannabis.
In a statement, the agency cautioned Nigerians, particularly the youth, that these so-called “medicinal” products are not legitimate pharmaceutical preparations but adulterated psychoactive substances with severe health risks.
Investigations revealed that the seized substances contained dangerously high concentrations of illicit cannabis strains known for their extreme potency and destructive psychological effects.
These include Loud—linked to psychosis, paranoia, and acute anxiety—and Colorado and Arizona, which are often synthetic and capable of causing severe mental and physical health damage.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier Heneral Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), condemned the illicit operation, warning that criminal networks were exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to deceive the public.
“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,” Marwa said. “Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is fake, dangerous, and illegal.”
Marwa urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the sale or distribution of such substances.
“Please do not consume it,” he warned. “Report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office.”
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to curbing drug trafficking and protecting public health, emphasizing that the so-called “medicinal cannabis” currently in circulation poses an immediate and serious threat to.publuc safety