The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized over 64,863.5 kilograms of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, and in Imo state.
On Monday, Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, ordered the arrest of sellers and users of the substance.
In a statement, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said following credible intelligence, operatives on Wednesday intercepted two containers laden with cartons of nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles 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,” Babafemi said.
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“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.”
He added that Stephen Eze, the importer of the consignment, and Micheal Chukwuma, his agent, have been arrested and detained for further investigation.
Babafemi said in another operation, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo, intercepted three cartons containing 18 canisters of the same substance.
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He said the substance, weighing 11.5kg, was being transported to Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
“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,” he said.
He added that Marwa commended the officers for being pro-active and swift.
He quoted Marwa as saying 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 and in the overall interest of public health”.
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