The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns over the increasing rate of cannabis consumption and trafficking in Oyo State.

In 2024 alone, the NDLEA’s Oyo State Command arrested 546 suspects, comprising 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80—for offenses ranging from possession to trafficking of cannabis sativa, tramadol, cocaine, and cannabis-infused products.

During the operations, over 10,444 kilograms of psychotropic substances were seized, a development the agency described as alarming.

The rise in consumption and distribution of “loud”, a potent, high-grade strain of cannabis often smuggled from Canada, often referred to as ‘Canadian Loud’ has added a new layer to the country’s drug challenge.

In March 2024, NDLEA operatives arrested three individuals at a lounge in Ibadan for possessing Canadian loud and various drug paraphernalia.

The lounge, found to harbor significant quantities of narcotics, was immediately sealed off.

“This is not just about Oyo State; it reflects a disturbing trend across Nigeria where cannabis is becoming increasingly normalized, particularly among young people.

“The glamorization of ‘loud’ and other high-grade cannabis strains poses a serious public health and security threat.” an NDLEA statement read.

Despite cannabis being illegal in Nigeria, cultivation and distribution have become rampant in several states, including Ondo, Edo, and Delta regions known for fertile land and favorable climate conditions.

The NDLEA continues to dismantle vast cannabis farms, some spanning several hectares, while also intercepting cross-country shipments intended for local consumption and export.

Calls for a national drug strategy, rooted in prevention, rehabilitation, and inter-agency collaboration, are gaining momentum as Nigeria grapples with the socio-economic fallout of substance abuse.

While some voices and experts have proposed the legalization and regulation of cannabis for medical or industrial purposes, the NDLEA maintains that such discussions are premature given the current levels of abuse and trafficking.

The situation in Oyo serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated national response to the expanding cannabis crisis.