The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 64,863.5 kilogrammes consignments of the gaseous substance, “laughing gas”, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and Imo State, respectively.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the seizures came barely 24 hours after the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa’s warning against illegal sale and use of laughing gas.

Mr Marwa had directed the agency’s commands to clamp down on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide.

Mr Babafemi also said that following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport intercepted two containers on Wednesday, July 12.

He added that the containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 were suspected to contain cartons of nitrous oxides 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,’’ he said.

Similarly, on Thursday, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri – Onitsha expressway in Imo state intercepted three cartons.

Mr Babafemi said the cartons contained 18 canisters of the same substance weighing 11.5kg heading to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“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, ” he said.

Mr Babafemi quoted the NDLEA chairman as commending the officers and men of the Apapa Port and their Imo State Command counterparts for being proactive and swift.

(NAN)