NDLEA Warns Against Fake ‘Medicinal Cannabis’, Seizes Large Consignment and Arrests Suspect
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a public warning over the circulation of illicit substances being falsely presented as medicinal cannabis, cautioning Nigerians—particularly youths—against their consumption.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig-General. Buba Marwa gave the warning in a statement issued by the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The alert follows an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of 28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, also known as Malu, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos. Salisu was allegedly packaging and distributing fake medicinal cannabis disguised in branded 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 as medicinal products.
The Agency warned that these products are not genuine therapeutic cannabis, but rather adulterated, dangerous psychoactive substances capable of causing severe health damage.
According to NDLEA investigations, the seized variants contained abnormally high concentrations of illicit compounds, posing grave risks such as psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairment.
Speaking on the discovery, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), condemned the criminal attempt to exploit global interest in medicinal cannabis for illegal profit.
“These criminal elements are hiding under the guise of medicinal cannabis to sell harmful and illicit drugs. Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria, and any product marketed as such locally is fake, illegal, and dangerous,” Marwa said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid such products regardless of packaging or health claims, and report anyone involved in the trade to the nearest NDLEA office.
