A police-led public safety awareness campaign has raised fresh concerns about the growing threat of synthetic drugs in Nigeria, with officers warning that traffickers are allegedly adopting new methods aimed at making illicit substances difficult to detect and more accessible to young people.
The warning was issued by Inspector Peter Emmanuel during a session organised under the Police Community Safety Advocacy (POCOSAAD) initiative. Speaking to members of the public, the officer alleged that some synthetic drugs are now being manufactured in laboratories and packaged in ways that could easily escape the attention of parents, teachers and even security officials.
According to Inspector Emmanuel, one of the substances popularly known as “Colos,” is allegedly produced synthetically and has little or no noticeable odour when smoked. He suggested that the lack of a strong smell could make it more difficult for parents or bystanders to detect its use in public places.
“Colos was produced in a laboratory in a way even when its smoked in church, you won’t perceive the odor,” Inspector Emmanuel said during the awareness programme.
The officer also alleged that drug traffickers are increasingly using colourful wrappers featuring cartoon characters and popular brand-like names such as “Ghana Gold” and “Loud” to disguise the substances. According to him the attractive packaging may cause unsuspecting members of the public to mistake the items for harmless products rather than dangerous drugs.
Inspector Emmanuel further claimed that criminal networks sometimes exploit very young children to transport or sell illicit substances, arguing that traffickers believe security agencies are less likely to suspect or arrest toddlers and young minors. He did not, however, present evidence to support the claim during the advocacy session.
While the allegations have generated concern, experts have consistently warned that criminal groups often change the appearance, branding and methods of distributing illegal drugs to evade law enforcement and target vulnerable individuals. Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to remain alert to unusual behaviour or unfamiliar items found in their children’s possession.
Addressing parents directly, the police officer urged families to pay close attention to behavioural changes that may indicate a child is experiencing difficulties or could be exposed to harmful influences. He advised parents not to dismiss sudden personality changes as ordinary childhood behaviour.
“Parents, when your playful child suddenly withdraws into his shell, check on him. Visit him unannounced,” he said.
Inspector Emmanuel stressed that the widespread availability of illicit drugs remains one of the biggest challenges facing communities. He urged parents to discourage children from visiting environments where drugs are suspected to be sold or consumed and to maintain open communication with them about the dangers of substance abuse.
The awareness message has since attracted widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians supporting calls for stronger drug enforcement, improved public education and closer collaboration between families, schools, communities and security agencies to protect children from drug-related crimes.
The Police Community Safety Advocacy (POCOSAAD) initiative is designed to strengthen cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and local communities through public education, crime prevention campaigns and safety awareness programmes. The initiative aims to equip citizens with practical knowledge that can help reduce crime and improve public safety.
Although some of the claims made during the advocacy session have not been independently verified, the broader message has reinforced the importance of parental vigilance and community involvement in addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug abuse. Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report suspected drug-related activities through appropriate law enforcement channels.
