The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently seized a shipment of cannabis-infused candies intended for sale in a children’s store in Lagos. The importer had concealed the drug-laced candies among legitimate children’s items, aiming to distribute them through his kiddies’ shop. Officials from the NDLEA intercepted the contraband during a routine inspection, preventing the potentially harmful sweets from reaching unsuspecting children.
The NDLEA’s swift action underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting children from exposure to illicit substances. This incident highlights the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, who are increasingly targeting younger demographics by disguising drugs as everyday consumer products. Authorities fear that such items, if undetected, could lead to accidental consumption and serious health risks among children.
In response to this development, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes, particularly those endangering children. He urged shop owners, parents, and school administrators to be vigilant in identifying suspicious products and reporting them to the authorities. According to him, traffickers are continuously devising new methods to infiltrate communities, making public awareness crucial in the fight against drug abuse.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify the full supply chain behind the importation and distribution of the cannabis-infused candies. NDLEA operatives have also intensified surveillance at major entry points, including seaports, airports, and border crossings, to prevent similar drug-laced products from entering the Nigerian market. The agency has vowed to prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law.
