The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle drug abuse and the growing menace of food being laced with psychotropic substances.
LASCOPA General Manager, Mr Afolabi Solebo, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement signed by the agency’s Public Affairs Officer, Mr Adesile Rufai.
Solebo said the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos State Command, Mr Abubakar Wali, met with him to strengthen inter-agency cooperation aimed at safeguarding consumers across the state.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for both agencies to deliberate on areas of mutual interest and develop joint strategies to protect public health, safety and overall consumer well-being.
Solebo emphasised the need for closer collaboration among regulatory and enforcement bodies to tackle practices that exposed consumers to harmful substances without their knowledge or consent.
“LASCOPA’s core mandate is consumer protection and ensuring that goods and services meet acceptable standards.
“However, we are increasingly concerned about reports of food products being laced with cannabis and other controlled substances.
“This issue goes beyond drug control; the deliberate introduction of undisclosed substances into food directly affects consumer safety.
“It also affects informed choice, public health and the fundamental right of consumers to know what they are purchasing and consuming,” he said.
He said the partnership with the NDLEA would enable both agencies to leverage their expertise, improve intelligence sharing, facilitate effective case referrals and intensify public enlightenment on the dangers of drug abuse.
He said the collaboration would also address the risks associated with consuming food products containing undisclosed substances.
Also in the statement, Wali expressed the NDLEA’s readiness to work with LASCOPA in areas that would further protect the public.
He said the agency was committed to strengthening efforts aimed at tackling drug-related threats and ensuring the safety of residents.
