NDLEA intercepts 64, 863kg of 'laughing gas' in Lagos, Imo

At the Apapa ports in Lagos and Imo states, agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seized over 64, 863.5 kilogramme consignments of nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas'.

According to a statement released on Friday by the agency's spokeswoman, Femi Babafemi, the material was discovered 24 hours after the NDLEA DG ordered a crackdown on "laughing gas" countrywide.

Three people have been detained in connection with the material, he noted.

The statement read, “Barely 24 hours after the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) directed all commands and formations of the Agency to begin an immediate clampdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes, over 64, 863.5 kilograms of the gaseous substance were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo state.

“Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday, July 12 intercepted two containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 suspected to contain cartons of nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles imported from China.

“As a result, a joint examination of the containers was carried out by NDLEA officers, men of the Customs Service, and other stakeholders the following day, Thursday, July 13. During the search of the two containers, a total of 522 cartons of Nitrous Oxide, containing 16,366 packages weighing 64,852kgs were recovered along with the paraphernalia for recreational use.

Stephen Eze, the consignment's importer, who is 30 years old, and Michael Chukwuma, his agent, were subsequently caught and imprisoned for further investigation.

Also according to Babafemi, in River state on Thursday, agents seized three cartons containing 18 canisters of 'laughing gas'

He said, “In the same vein, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri – Onitsha expressway in Imo state on Thursday 13th July intercepted three cartons containing 18 canisters of the same substance weighing 11.5kg heading to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“A swift follow-up operation was conducted in the stadium road area of Elekahia, Port Harcourt same day leading to the arrest of the owner of the shipment, 24-year-old Tonye Kalio. ”

Babafemi said Marwa directed the crackdown on the sale and use of nitrous oxide would continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of substance abuse while praising the officers and men of the Apapa Port and their Imo state Command counterparts for being proactive and quick.

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