Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, has intercepted over 64, 863.5 kilogram consignments of nitrous oxide the gaseous substance at the Apapa seaport Lagos, and in Imo state Southern Nigeria.
This came after the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa 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, due to its abuse by people.
A press statement by the agency’s spokesperson Mr Femi BabaFemi said the seizures follow credible intelligence, by NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday.
They intercepted two containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 suspected to contain cartons of Nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles imported from China.
BabaFemi said, “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.”
He noted that the importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze and his agent, Michael Chukwuma were thereafter arrested and detained for further investigation.
In another development, 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.
The operatives arrested the owner of the shipment, 24-year-old Tonye Kalio.
While commending the officers and men of the Apapa Port, and their Imo state Command counterparts for being proactive, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa said the clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide would continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of abusing the substance and in the overall interest of public health.
He commended the cooperation of other security agencies and stakeholders towards achieving the set objective.
PIAK
