NDLEA warns of cannabis-infused cookies, gummies in circulation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said some cookies and gummies in circulation contain illegal substances and has advised parents to monitor their children’s consumption of imported snacks that could pose a danger to their health.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency uncovered attempts by smugglers to import prohibited substances packaged as everyday sweets and baked goods.

According to the statement, “A major interception by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, where officers seized two 40-foot containers originating from the United States.”

He explained that legitimate imports, including vehicles, generators and fabrics, were found to contain thousands of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies with an estimated street value of N373.8 million.

NDLEA officials said the seized items, which have been handed over to the agency for further investigation, were packaged as colourful, appealing vegan snacks, posing a public health risk through potential accidental consumption by children and young people.