The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested two female suspects, including a teenage social media influencer allegedly involved in the promotion and sale of cannabis-laced cookies.
Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of the NDLEA in Edo disclosed this on Monday in Benin while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command.
He said that the suspects – Praise Nwogu, 19, popularly known online as Candy, and Ebong Oghosa, 25, were apprehended after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations.
The NDLEA boss said the online cell allegedly specialised in producing and distributing confectioneries infused with cannabis and synthetic variants.
According to him, Nwogu, believed to be the face of the online promotion, was arrested with 12 plates and one cup of brownies that tested positive for cannabis indica.
He said that the Imo-born influencer, who resides in Benin, had allegedly been circulating videos and promotional content across multiple online platforms to boost sales.
He added that Oghosa, identified as the production lead in the illegal operation, was found in possession of 76 grammes of marijuana and 1.5 grammes of Colorado, a highly potent synthetic strain.
He said that the command’s operatives also recovered baking equipment, including a large pan and a plate of drug-laced brownies, at the point of arrest.
He said the coordinated operation, carried out on Nov. 22, highlighted the agency’s push to dismantle emerging drug-trafficking methods that exploit social media and online anonymity.
Ofoyeju described the development as “deeply concerning,” warning Nigerians about the growing trend of disguising illicit substances as harmless confectioneries.
“This should serve as a clear message to all perpetrators of online drug peddling that they have no place to hide.
“Innocent buyers have no idea these cookies are laced with illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabis like Colorado.
“How would you feel if a drug test came back positive simply because you ate a cookie? It is fraudulent and unacceptable,” he said.
The senior narcotic officer asserted that such practices posed serious health risks, particularly to young people and unsuspecting consumers, urging the public to be vigilant about what they consume.
According to him, investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court as soon as the probe is concluded.
He, however, appealed to community members to report suspicious drug-related activities, stressing that collective vigilance is essential to curbing illicit drug circulation.
