The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the discovery of a new and highly potent strain of cannabis known as “California Loud” in Lagos State.
This revelation comes just weeks after the agency uncovered a secret laboratory in Ajao Estate, Isolo, where a synthetic drug variant, popularly called “Colorado,” was being illegally produced inside a residential apartment.
NDLEA’s latest findings signal a new phase in the country’s ongoing war against illicit drugs, particularly as new and more dangerous variants of cannabis continue to find their way into Nigerian communities.
Speaking on TVC News’ This Morning programme on Monday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the emergence of “California Loud” and described it as a serious threat to public health.
“‘Loud’ is another strain of cannabis, and it’s a very potent one—much stronger than what we have locally. That’s part of its attraction; the taste and effect are more intense, which is why many young people go for it,” Babafemi explained.
He added that the newly discovered variant, “California Loud,” poses a major challenge for the NDLEA, especially in Lagos, where the agency has recorded a rising number of drug-related arrests in recent months.
“Recently in Lagos, we also discovered a new variant called California Loud. It’s a major concern for us, and that’s why everyone—from families to communities must join in the effort to stop its spread,” he said.
Babafemi also spoke about the earlier discovery of the secret “Colorado” production lab in Isolo, describing the drug as extremely harmful due to the chemical substances used in its production.
According to him, the laboratory was dismantled after months of intelligence work, which led to the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Stephen Imoh.
“The THC component is extracted from cannabis and then mixed with other harmful chemicals, which is what makes it synthetic and very dangerous,” Babafemi explained.
He further revealed that the suspect had begun to suffer severe skin damage caused by direct contact with toxic substances used in the illegal manufacturing process.
“If you observe his body, his skin is peeling and discoloured due to the chemical reactions from the substances he handled,” he noted.
The emergence of California Loud and the growing circulation of synthetic drugs like Colorado highlight the deepening challenge of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
Despite numerous arrests and the destruction of drug labs across the country, NDLEA officials say criminal networks are constantly developing new methods to produce and distribute illegal substances.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), has repeatedly warned that the agency will not relent in its efforts to tackle drug cartels operating within and outside Nigeria.
He has highlighted that the fight against drug abuse requires a collective response from government, law enforcement, families, and communities.
Marwa reaffirmed that NDLEA operatives will continue to track, dismantle, and prosecute individuals or groups involved in the production, importation, and distribution of illicit drugs.
He also assured that offenders will be made to face the full weight of the law and will lose any illegal proceeds derived from their activities.
As the NDLEA intensifies its crackdown on drug syndicates, the agency has urged parents, schools, and community leaders to pay closer attention to the rising trend of drug use among young people.
Babafemi stressed that public awareness and community vigilance are critical to curbing the spread of dangerous substances like California Loud and Colorado.
“This is not just a law enforcement issue; it’s a social problem. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities safe,” he said.
With Lagos now emerging as a major focus in the war against new forms of cannabis, NDLEA’s latest warning serves as a wake-up call to residents about the dangers lurking behind these seemingly trendy but highly destructive substances.
