Three Bolivians, one Nigerian arrested by NDLEA for production of addictive substance

Three Bolivians and a Nigerian have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for the production of an addictive substance, methamphetamine.
The NDLEA, which described methamphetamine as a powerful addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system, produced using precursor chemicals, made the arrest in Lagos.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who made the announcement through a statement issued this afternoon by the Head of Media and Publicity of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said the arrest was effected at a clandestine laboratory for the illicit production of Methamphetamine at satellite town, Lagos.

Giade said the agency will not treat the development with kid gloves as it threatens public health and safety.
Giade said that the laboratory was detected by operatives attached to the Lagos State Command.
Items said to have been recovered at the production area included 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.
The statement said those apprehended in connection with the operation of the illegal laboratory included 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.
The agency declared wanted for questioning Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka.
Mitchell said Giade pointed out that such clandestine laboratories constitute a serious threat to societal peace and security, adding: “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.”
Giade also stated that the ugly development has led to the recruitment of youths in smuggling the drugs across the borders.
He said: “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 ongoing.
Some of the tips for identifying a clandestine laboratory include chemical smells coming from a building and skin irritation and coloured waters in gutters.
Such laboratories have no sign posts and 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.
The NDLEA said investigation into the case has commenced.