NDLEA Intercepts 64,863kg ‘Laughing Gas’ Consignments From China

• The NDLEA has intercepted over 64,863.5kgs of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and Imo State
• The interception was made just 24 hours after Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), directed all of the agency’s commands to launch an immediate crackdown on the illegal sale and use of the substance
• The importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze and his agent, Michael Chukwuma, were arrested and detained for further investigation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted over 64,863.5kgs of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and Imo State.

This comes just 24 hours after the NDLEA’s chairman/CEO, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), directed all of the agency’s commands and formations to launch an immediate crackdown on the illegal sale and use of the substance following its abuse by recreational users.

In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, stated that the decision was made based on credible intelligence.

NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport, on 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, 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, Babafemi said.

Recall that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) has 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.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief, more often by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures.

Popularly called laughing gas or N20, it is fast emerging as a drug in demand in Nigeria by young party-goers or fun-seekers to feel intoxicated or high. The gas is often transferred from its containers into balloons, from where it is inhaled for euphoric effects.