A 64,863.5 kilogramme consignments of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’ at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and Imo states have been seized.
The spokesperson of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Femi Babafemi, on Friday, said the substance was recovered 24 hours after the agency DG ordered a nationwide clamp down on “laughing gas”.
Babafemi said three persons had been arrested in connection with the substance.
The statement read, “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.
“The importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze, and his agent, Michael Chukwuma were thereafter arrested and detained for further investigation.”
