Drugs in Disguise: Is Social Media Making Hard Drugs Too Easy for Young Nigerians?

Nigeria is facing a new and worrying evolution in drug trafficking. Recent NDLEA raids in Lekki uncovered hard drugs disguised as everyday products, from Christmas cookies to teddy bears and even Vitamin C bottles. These items were being sold through WhatsApp groups, Instagram DMs, and other online channels, making dangerous substances look harmless. This discovery raises serious concerns about youth exposure and parental awareness. Today’s drug dealer is no longer standing on street corners, he’s behind a screen, online, anonymous, and only a message away. Young people can now order drugs with the same ease as ordering food, while parents remain unaware of what arrives in those “innocent-looking” packages. NDLEA officers found Canadian Loud packaged like snacks, tramadol hidden inside supplement bottles, and cannabis edibles branded like imported treats. Delivery riders unknowingly transported these parcels, making detection even more difficult. And it forces new questions we can’t ignore: - Are social media platforms doing enough to curb illegal drug sales? - Should delivery companies scan suspicious packages? - Are parents, schools, and communities prepared for this new level of disguise? - Are young people being influenced by the online culture around “soft drugs”? Experts warn that many youths now see these substances as “casual,” but the truth is clear: drug misuse damages mental health, judgment, and long-term opportunities sometimes permanently. We are entering a time when everyone must be more vigilant, more cautious, and more aware. Drugs no longer look dangerous. They look friendly, fun, and beautifully packaged. That is exactly why they’re so risky. Parents need to talk to their children. Communities need to be aware of unusual parcels. Schools must educate, not react. And young people must understand that “trying something once” can have lifelong consequences. A Call to Action This challenge is bigger than NDLEA alone. It will take a united effort from: - Tech companies to monitor and block illegal accounts - Parents to stay involved in their children’s digital lives - Schools to teach drug awareness in modern terms - Communities to report suspicious activities - Government agencies to strengthen cyber regulations - Young people to protect themselves and their future - The era of nylon-wrapped substances is gone. Today’s drugs look like gifts, snacks, toys, and supplements. That means awareness is now our strongest defense. We must stay alert, stay informed, and stay united because protecting our young people starts with paying attention to the things that no longer look like threats.