Bolivians , Nigerian arrested for drug production

The
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Ahmadu Giade has announced the arrest of three Bolivians and a Nigerian in
connection with a clandestine laboratory for the illicit production of
Methamphetamine at satellite town, Lagos. The Agency warned that it will not
treat the development with kid gloves as it threatens public health and safety.


Speaking
on the development, Giade said that the laboratory was detected by operatives
attached to the Lagos State Command. Items recovered at the production area
include 41.150kg of ephedrine, 4.8kg of methamphetamine, other
chemicals and sundry gadgets used in the laboratory. Three vehicles, a Honda
Accord Saloon car, a Honda CRV Jeep and a Toyota 4 Runner Jeep were also
impounded.

Apprehended
in connection with the laboratory include three Bolivians Yerko
Artunduaga Dorado,
19 years old; Ruben Ticona Jorge, 21 years old; and Hugo Chavez Moreno, 39
years old. The fourth suspect is a 23-year-old Nigerian, Uba Ubachukwu Collins.
However, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka are wanted for
questioning by the anti-drug Agency.

Giade
stressed that Clandestine Laboratories constitute a serious threat to societal
peace and security. In his words, “It is important to stress that such
buildings are not safe for habitation. A house used for the illicit production
of methamphetamine is simply a death trap. Tenants moving into new buildings
are hereby advised to carry out discreet investigations on the previous
occupants”.

He
also stated that the ugly development has led to the recruitment of youths in
smuggling the drugs across the borders. “Besides the environmental pollution,
gullible and unemployed youths are being used to smuggle these drugs to
countries with high demand. Several methamphetamine traffickers have been
caught at the airports and land borders”.

While
condemning the existence of clandestine laboratories in the country, the Agency
urged Members of the public to watch out for various clues to identify a
clandestine laboratory. It would be recalled that the NDLEA discovered the
first Clandestine Laboratory in the country in 2011. The accused persons have
been charged to court and the case is on-going.

Some
of the tips include chemical smells coming from a building, skin irritation and
coloured waters in gutters. Clandestine Laboratories have no sign posts. Unlike
normal laboratories that are opened to the general public with known members of
staff, clandestine laboratories operate covertly.

Most chemicals found in
such laboratories are flammable, corrosive and toxic. Unprotected exposure to
such chemicals could cause headaches, watery or burning eyes, burning skin,
coughing or choking feeling, weakness and dizziness. Investigation into the
case has commenced.

Methamphetamine
is a powerful
addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous
system. It is produced using precursor chemicals. Findings
show that there may be insignificant local abuse as it is mainly meant for
export.