The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has commenced discussions with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to strengthen inter-agency collaboration against drug abuse and the growing practice of infusing illicit and controlled substances into food products in Lagos State.
LASCOPA General Manager/CEO, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, disclosed this during a strategic visit by the Agency’s delegation to the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA, where they met with the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali.
The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest and the development of joint strategies to protect the health, safety and overall well-being of consumers across Lagos State.
Solebo stressed the need for stronger cooperation among regulatory and enforcement agencies to tackle practices that expose consumers to harmful substances without their knowledge or consent.
He noted that while LASCOPA’s primary mandate is to protect consumers and ensure that goods and services in the marketplace meet acceptable standards, the Agency is increasingly concerned by reports of food products being laced with cannabis and other controlled substances.
According to him, the issue extends beyond drug control, as the deliberate introduction of undisclosed substances into food directly threatens consumer safety, informed choice, public health and the fundamental right of consumers to know what they are buying and consuming.
Solebo said collaboration with the NDLEA would help both agencies leverage their expertise, improve information sharing, facilitate effective case referrals and intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse and the risks of consuming food products containing undisclosed substances.
Responding, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali, who warmly received the LASCOPA delegation, expressed the NDLEA’s readiness to explore areas of collaboration that would further protect the public.
