The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a total of 64,863.5 kilograms of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas.”
The interception took place at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo states.
According to a statement released on Facebook by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the recovery of the substance was a result of actionable intelligence received within 24 hours after the NDLEA Director General ordered a nationwide crackdown on the illicit trade of nitrous oxide.
The statement further revealed that three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the seized substance.
“The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), issued a directive to all agency commands and formations, instructing them to immediately intensify efforts to curtail the illegal sale and usage of nitrous oxide, which has been widely abused for recreational purposes. Acting upon this directive, over 64,863.5 kilograms of nitrous oxide were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo state,” the statement read.
Based on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport successfully identified two containers bearing the marks MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 as potential sources of nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles, imported from China.
Subsequently, a joint examination of the containers was conducted by NDLEA officers, Customs Service personnel, and other stakeholders on Thursday, July 13. The search yielded a total of 522 cartons of Nitrous Oxide, comprising 16,366 packages with a total weight of 64,852 kilograms. Additionally, recreational use paraphernalia were discovered during the search.
The NDLEA continues its efforts to curb the illegal trade and abuse of substances such as nitrous oxide, as it poses significant health and social risks to the public.
