The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances falsely packaged and marketed as medicinal cannabis.
According to the agency, the alert follows credible intelligence that led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Salisu was apprehended at his residence at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos — a known hotspot for drug distribution — where he was allegedly packaging and selling the fake products 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 labelled and marketed as medicinal cannabis.
The agency cautioned the public, particularly young people, that these so-called “therapeutic” products are in fact adulterated and contain dangerously high concentrations of psychoactive substances. The NDLEA noted that the seized items are not regulated or pharmaceutical-grade products but illicit narcotics capable of causing severe health complications.
Investigations by the Agency revealed that the fake medicinal cannabis contained harmful variants such as Loud, known for its extreme potency and risk of psychosis; Arizona, a destructive high-concentration strain; and Colorado, often synthetic and linked to serious mental and physical health effects.
“These substances are highly addictive and pose a significant and immediate threat to public health and safety,” the agency warned. “They are associated with mental health issues including paranoia, acute anxiety, and long-term cognitive impairment, especially among the youth.”
Speaking on the development, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said “The criminal elements behind this deceit are exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push illicit, life-destroying products into our communities. 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 avoid falling for deceptive packaging, health claims, or foreign brand names, appealing to the public to report any individuals or groups involved in the illicit trade of these substances to the nearest NDLEA office.
