The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has initiated strategic talks with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to build a joint front against drug abuse and the dangerous trend of infusing illicit, controlled substances into everyday food products across the state.

The General Manager and CEO of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, made this known during a high-level visit to the NDLEA’s Lagos State Command, where the delegation met with the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali. The meeting focused on establishing joint enforcement strategies, seamless case referrals and proactive intelligence sharing to safeguard public health and consumer rights.

Expressing deep concern over growing reports of foods laced with cannabis and other illicit drugs, Solebo stressed that the issue directly undermines consumer safety and transparency in the marketplace.

“Although LASCOPA’s core mandate is consumer protection and ensuring goods meet safety standards, we are deeply concerned about food products being laced with cannabis and other controlled substances,” Solebo stated. “This goes beyond drug control—it directly violates the fundamental right of consumers to know what they are consuming and threatens overall public health.”

Solebo noted that a structured partnership with the NDLEA would strengthen information networks, allow both agencies to leverage their specific legal expertise, and launch aggressive public education campaigns highlighting the dangers of consuming food items with hidden, dangerous ingredients.

Responding to the delegation, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali welcomed LASCOPA’s initiative, affirming the NDLEA’s readiness to pool resources with the state agency to dismantle operations exposing Lagos residents to harmful substances.

The collaboration marks a critical regulatory move to enforce product standards, protect unsuspecting consumers and crack down on non-compliant food vendors across Lagos State.