“‘We Can Treat Weed Madness, Not Ice’: NDLEA Official Warns Nigerian Youths in Viral Video”

In a striking and widely shared video, a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer addressed a crowd of Nigerian youths with a blunt but controversial message:

“Take weed rather than ice.” The clip has sparked intense debate online about substance abuse, risk, and harm reduction. Accordig to intelregion

A Candid Message to Young People

The officer cautioned the audience that ice slang for crystal methamphetamine is far more toxic than cannabis.

“Ice is more deadly than weed,” he said. “I would advise you to take weed rather than ice. Because when you go mad after taking weed, we can treat you. But we can’t treat you after taking ice.”

He explained that though cannabis can cause temporary episodes of paranoia, panic, or hallucinations, these effects often fade once the drug leaves the body.

In contrast, meth-induced psychosis can be permanent and irreversible, making treatment far more challenging.

READ MORE :

• “Nigeria Is Stable Enough”: Wike Addresses PDP Faction’s Call to a Former U.S. President

• DSS Transfers IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu to Sokoto Prison After Life Sentence

• Police and Military Mobilize to Save Kidnapped Students in Niger State

• Peller Detained in UK During Livestream Following Noise Complaint (VIDEO)

While some social media users have interpreted his words as an endorsement of cannabis use, many experts argue it’s actually a pragmatic warning.

The officer appears to be using a harm-reduction approach rather than encouraging youth to take up smoking marijuana.

His message underscores the real and brutal effects of meth addiction, warning that

“we can’t treat you after taking ice.”

NDLEA’s Broader Concerns

The anti-narcotics agency has repeatedly spoken out about dangerous trends around drug use among youths.

The NDLEA recently warned Nigerians about fake ‘medicinal cannabis’ products laced with powerful and synthetic psychoactive substances.

In Oyo State, for instance, the NDLEA’s Narcotics Commander raised alarms over the rising intake of highly potent cannabis strains such as Scottish Loud and Canadian Loud.

An internet user, Chili said,

“Wonderful man and father… Very genuine and honest man… He said it as it is”

Tuyo said, “Weed has always been the best. Leave drugs so you fit live long.”

Goat said, “See our drug enforcement officers  no single professionalism, na wa”

C also said, “That’s a real father figure my dad once told me that instead of me to take drugs,cigarettes, or any form of drugs I should smoke weed”

A also said, “Okay sir. I don save this video incase ur men catch me with Igbo”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Werreyblogger (@naija_crazyblog)

Yet, the reality on the ground is complicated, particularly when dangerous substances like meth are widely available and more harmful.

In a country where illicit drug use is rising among young people, the NDLEA officer’s message serves as both a reality check and a call for caution.

He did not glamorise cannabis use he contrasted it sharply with the far more dangerous methamphetamine.

“When you go mad after taking weed, we can treat you. But we can’t treat you after taking ice,” he said, in a line that is hard to forget.

Whether you agree with his delivery or not, one thing is clear: the conversation around youth, drugs, and harm in Nigeria has never been more urgent.