The National Drug Law Eknforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians about increasingly sophisticated attempts by drug traffickers to disguise illicit substances as everyday consumer products, including confectionery and phone accessories.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, raised the alarm in posts on X on Sunday, urging members of the public—particularly parents—to be more vigilant about products brought into their homes.
Babafemi said recent seizures by NDLEA operatives indicated that criminal networks were adopting creative methods to conceal illegal drugs and make them appear harmless.
Babafemi shared images of colourful packages labelled “Cookies Delta 8 Gummies”, with flavours such as Hawaiian Rain, Pineapple Guava and Thai Mango.
According to him, the packaging was designed to give the illicit products the appearance of ordinary sweets and other consumer confectionery.
He therefore urged parents to pay closer attention to children who show unusual interest in cookies, gummies or similar products, particularly when the source or contents are unclear.
In a separate disclosure, the NDLEA spokesperson said operatives had also intercepted consignments of cocaine concealed inside phone chargers.
The chargers were allegedly being used to disguise the cocaine, which was reportedly destined for Saudi Arabia.
The disclosure highlighted the lengths to which traffickers are allegedly going to evade detection by embedding illicit substances in ordinary objects that could pass unnoticed during transportation.
Babafemi also issued a warning to travellers against accepting parcels, luggage or other packages from people unless they are certain of the contents.
He cautioned that unsuspecting travellers could be used as couriers by drug traffickers without their knowledge, particularly when they agree to transport items on behalf of others.
The NDLEA urged Nigerians to exercise greater caution and verify any package they are asked to carry, stressing that unfamiliar items should not be accepted simply on trust.
The latest warning comes amid continued efforts by the agency to expose and disrupt new methods allegedly being employed by drug trafficking networks to conceal and move illicit substances.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
