The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially confirmed that synthetic cannabis—popularly known on the street as “Colos” (short for “Colorado”)—was discovered hidden inside moin-moin cooking sachets during a seizure in the Lekki area of Lagos.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi issued a public warning advising parents and guardians to inspect moin-moin sachets closely if their children receive them unexpectedly.
Journalistic sources including The Guardian Nigeria corroborate that the substance was packaged in regular moin-moin sachets to evade detection, and seized during NDLEA operations in Lagos.
Social media and other outlets widely reported the seizure, quoting Babafemi:
“The merchants of death are now packaging that dangerous synthetic cannabis known on the street as Colos … in these moin-moin cooking sachets … in Lekki area of Lagos.”
The case represents a first publicly confirmed instance of synthetic cannabis being concealed in food packaging commonly used by households—including by minors.
NDLEA’s statement underscores a troubling shift in trafficking tactics: exploiting everyday items to reach unsuspecting communities and youths.
Public Safety Advice from NDLEA
- Inspect food sachets or snacks delivered to children, especially if the packaging appears unfamiliar or overly attractive.
- Engage in open conversations with teenagers about the risks of synthetic drugs and deceptive packaging.
- Report any suspicious packages to local authorities or NDLEA hotlines immediately.
Drug policy analysts emphasise that this case is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend toward creative concealment by traffickers targeting domestic and urban delivery networks. This method specifically leverages trusted food items to bypass suspicion. Community groups and parents are urged to stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring deliveries and educating youth.
