The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted about 64,863.5 kg of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” at the Apapa harbor in Lagos and Imo states.
According to a statement posted on Facebook on Friday by the agency’s spokeswoman, Femi Babafemi, the material was discovered 24 hours after the NDLEA DG ordered a crackdown on “laughing gas” nationwide.
He went on to say that three people had been arrested in connection with the material.
The statement in part said, “Barely 24 hours after the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) 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” following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes, over 64, 863.5 kilograms of the gaseous substance were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo state.
“Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday, July 12 intercepted two 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 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.”
