By Atoyebi Nike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has uncovered a new and highly potent strain of cannabis known as “California Loud” in Lagos State. The discovery was revealed on Monday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi during an appearance on This Morning.
Babafemi said the strain is stronger than the types commonly found in Nigeria, making it increasingly popular among young users. “Loud is a more potent strain of cannabis. The taste and effect are stronger, which is why many young people are drawn to it. We have now identified a new variant called California Loud,” he said.
The revelation comes shortly after the NDLEA dismantled an illegal laboratory producing Colorado, a synthetic form of cannabis, in a residential area of Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos. The operation led to the arrest of 30-year-old Stephen Imoh after months of surveillance.
Explaining the dangers of synthetic variants like Colorado, Babafemi noted that they are made by mixing THC from cannabis with other chemicals, making them far more dangerous. He added that the suspect from the latest bust had already begun suffering severe skin damage due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals used in the production process.
Babafemi warned that the emergence of new drug strains poses a growing threat that requires collective action from families, communities, and authorities.
Despite ongoing arrests and the destruction of multiple drug syndicates nationwide, Nigeria continues to face widespread illicit drug challenges. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) has repeatedly pledged that the agency will intensify operations to dismantle drug networks and confiscate assets linked to trafficking.
Marwa reaffirmed that the NDLEA will ensure all proceeds and property traced to drug offenders are forfeited to the Federal Government.
