In Lagos, Imo, NDLEA Intercepts 64,863kg Of ‘Laughing Gas’ Consignments

Only 24 hours after the Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), directed all commands and formations of the agency to launch an immediate crackdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, due to its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes, operatives intercepted over 64, 863.5 kilogrammes consignments of the gaseous substance at the Apapa port.

Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday intercepted two containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 suspected of containing cartons of Nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles imported from China, according to a release from the agency’s Director, Media, and Advocacy.

“As a result, the next day, NDLEA officials, Customs Service personnel, and other stakeholders conducted a joint examination of the containers. During the investigation of the two containers, 522 cartons of Nitrous Oxide, including 16,366 packets weighing 64,852kgs, as well as recreational paraphernalia, were discovered.

“The importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze, and his agent, Michael Chukwuma, were thereafter arrested and detained for further investigation,” he stated.

In another incident, NDLEA agents on patrol along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo State intercepted three crates containing 18 canisters of the same chemical totaling 11.5kg heading for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.

A quick follow-up operation in the Stadium Road neighborhood of Elekahia, Port Harcourt, resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s owner, Tonye Kalio, 24.

While commending the Apapa Port officers and men, as well as their Imo State Command counterparts, for being proactive and swift, Marwa stated that the crackdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide will continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of substance abuse and in the overall interest of public health.

He commended the cooperation of other sister security agencies and stakeholders toward achieving the set objective.