NDLEA Busts Fake ‘Medicinal Cannabis’ Syndicate in Lagos, Arrests 28-Year Old Suspect
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a criminal syndicate behind the production and distribution of fake medicinal cannabis in Lagos, arresting a 28-year-old suspect and recovering over 16 kilograms of dangerous illicit substances falsely branded as therapeutic products.
The suspect, identified as Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, was apprehended on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during a raid on his base at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, where he was allegedly packaging and marketing synthetic cannabis variants in designer pouches and cups labelled as “medicinal cannabis.”
According to the NDLEA, the operation followed credible intelligence that led operatives to the Mushin enclave, a known hub for narcotics activity.
Recovered from the suspect’s store were 16.4 kilograms of synthetic and highly potent cannabis strains, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud — all deceptively packaged to appear as regulated medicinal products.
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The Agency has since warned members of the public, particularly the youth, against consuming such products, describing them as “adulterated, dangerous and illegal.”
“The criminal elements behind this deceit are exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push life-destroying substances into our communities,” said NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.)
“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria. Any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is fake, dangerous, and illegal,” he cautioned.
The NDLEA noted that laboratory analysis confirmed the seized products contained dangerously high concentrations of psychoactive compounds, known to trigger severe mental health disorders including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairment.
Marwa urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report individuals involved in the illicit trade to the nearest NDLEA office.
“Do not be deceived by misleading labels or fancy packaging,” he warned. “Report anyone dealing in these substances to the Agency immediately.”
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and safety, emphasizing that it would continue to dismantle networks attempting to commercialize illegal narcotics under misleading pretenses.
By PRNigeria
