National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 64, 863.5 kilogram consignments of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo state.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi in a statement said the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Mohamed Buba Marwa had directed all commands and formations of the agency to begin an immediate clampdown on illegal sale and use of the laughing gas following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes.
“Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday 12th July 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 13th July.
“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.
“The importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze and his agent, Michael Chukwuma were thereafter arrested and detained for further investigation.
“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.”
Following the latest feat by operatives of the agency, Marwa commended the officers and men of the Apapa Port, and their Imo state Command counterparts for being pro-active and swift.
He said the clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide will continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of abusing the substance.
