The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted about 64,863 kilograms of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’ at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and Imo states. This was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the Agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stating that this development occurred within 24 hours after NDLEA’s Director General; Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.) ordered all commands and formations of the Agency to commence a nationwide clampdown on the illegal sale and use of the gas.
The statement reads, “Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday, July 12 intercepted 2 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 2 containers, a total of 522 cartons of Nitrous Oxide, containing 16,366 packages weighing 64,852 kgs were recovered along with the paraphernalia for recreational use.
He said, so far, 3 people have been arrested in connection with the substance.
According to the statement, “In the same vein, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo state on Thursday, 13 July intercepted 3 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.”
The statement also commended the NDLEA personnel involved in the operation for being proactive and swift, adding that the Agency would continue to protect Nigerians from the devastating effects of abusing the gas.