The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely packaged and sold as medicinal cannabis.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the public alert followed credible intelligence that led to the arrest of a major drug dealer, Afeez Salisu, also known as Malu, aged 28.

Salisu was apprehended last Saturday at his residence, 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos, where he allegedly packaged and distributed fake medicinal cannabis products disguised in designer pouches and cups.

According to Babafemi, operatives recovered 16.4 kilograms of dangerous synthetic cannabis strains from the suspect’s store, including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud, and Ghana Loud, all falsely labelled as medicinal cannabis.

“The agency warns Nigerians, especially the youth, that these so-called medicinal products are in fact adulterated, highly potent psychoactive substances — not regulated or safe pharmaceutical preparations,” Babafemi said.

He explained that investigations confirmed the seized products contained dangerously high concentrations of illicit cannabis strains known for their extreme potency and devastating mental and physical effects.

“These variants are linked to severe health risks such as psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and long-term cognitive impairment, particularly among young people,” he added.

Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the culprits were exploiting global discussions around medicinal cannabis to disguise and sell illegal, life-threatening products.

“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria. Any product being marketed locally as ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake and dangerous but also illegal,” Marwa said.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning against being deceived by misleading labels or attractive packaging.

“Do not consume these substances. Report anyone involved in this criminal trade to the nearest NDLEA office,” Marwa advised.