“Laughing Gas Crackdown: Over 64,000 Kilograms Seized by NDLEA at Apapa Seaport and Imo State”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a comprehensive clampdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, due to its rising abuse as a recreational drug. Within a mere 24 hours of the operation’s commencement, NDLEA operatives successfully intercepted massive consignments of the Laughing Gas, totaling over 64,863.5 kilograms, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo state.
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In a statement by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s spokesperson, it was revealed that the interceptions were made based on credible intelligence received by NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport. Two containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448, suspected to contain cartons of nitrous oxide and imported plastic pressure release nozzles from China, were seized. A joint examination of the containers, conducted the following day in collaboration with NDLEA officers, Customs Service personnel, and other stakeholders, resulted in the recovery of 522 cartons of nitrous oxide. These cartons contained 16,366 packages of Laughing Gas , with a total weight of 64,852 kilograms, along with recreational paraphernalia. Consequently, the importer of the seized consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze, and his agent, Michael Chukwuma, were promptly arrested and detained for further investigation.
Simultaneously, NDLEA operatives patrolling along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo state intercepted three cartons weighing 11.5 kilograms, containing 18 canisters of the same Laughing Gas. These canisters were en route to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Following this interception, a swift follow-up operation was carried out in the stadium road area of Elekahia, Port Harcourt, resulting in the arrest of the shipment’s owner, 24-year-old Tonye Kalio.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Marwa, lauded the proactive and swift actions of the officers and personnel at Apapa Port and the Imo state Command. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to continuing the nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide better known as Laughing Gas, aimed at safeguarding young Nigerians from the devastating effects of substance abuse and promoting public health. Marwa also expressed gratitude for the cooperation of sister security agencies and stakeholders in achieving the set objectives.
