NDLEA foils narcotics smuggling: 64,863kg of ‘laughing gas’ seized in Lagos, Imo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant seizure, intercepting a staggering 64,863.5-kilogram consignment of the gaseous substance known as “Laughing Gas” at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo State.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, shared this information in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
In his statement, Mr. Babafemi stated, “As a result of credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport, on Wednesday, July 12, intercepted two containers.”
These containers, labeled as MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448, were suspected to contain cartons of Nitrous Oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles imported from China.
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He further added, “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 joint examination involved NDLEA officers, Customs Service personnel, and other stakeholders on Thursday, July 13.
Following the successful operation, Mr. Babafemi revealed, “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 incident, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Owerri – Onitsha expressway in Imo State intercepted three cartons on Thursday, July 13.
These cartons contained 18 canisters of the same substance, weighing 11.5kg, and were destined for Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Elaborating on the subsequent events, Mr. Babafemi disclosed, “A swift follow-up operation was conducted in the Stadium Road area of Elekahia, Port Harcourt the same day, leading to the arrest of the owner of the shipment, 24-year-old Tonye Kalio.”
Commending the diligent efforts of the NDLEA officers and personnel, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, remarked, “The clampdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide will continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of abusing the substance in the interest of public health.”
He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation of other sister security agencies and stakeholders in achieving this objective.
With these significant seizures, the NDLEA’s actions serve as a deterrent against the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
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