The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a clandestine laboratory for the production of Hashish Oil.
It also recovered 13 rounds of live ammunition with other drugs and substances in Lagos.
NDLEA spokesman, Jonah Achema, made this known in a statement on Friday.
Hashish is a drug made from the resin of the cannabis plant and it is consumed by inhaling from a small piece, typically in a pipe, bong, vaporizer or joint, or via oral ingestion.
The hashish clandestine laboratory was the first ever to be discovered by the agency as it had always uncovered other drugs and substances.
It was located in an apartment on No. 7, Imam Augusto Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Achema confirmed that investigation started before the COVID-19 and that the NDLEA had only uncovered methamphetamine.
The agency arrested one suspect (name withheld) in the course of the operation code-named Hash-Caste.
Achema stated that the suspected owner of the laboratory engaged in indoor growing of cannabis sativa and processing same into hashish oil through extraction.
The suspect is a graduate of the University of Southern Denmark with a degree in Electronic Engineering.
“Aged 42, the suspect claimed to have been pushed into the hydroponic cannabis growing and Hashish Oil extraction following the collapse of his Inverter, Metering and Solar Installation Company in 2019.
“He said he noticed that there is so much money to be made in view of the high demand for Hashish oil in the international market as a curative medicine for cancer,” the statement read.
The expansive premise was well fortified with protective dogs and himself well-armed, ostensibly to put up resistance from the suspected onslaught of law enforcement agencies.
Several drug exhibits were recovered which include 911 grams of Cannabis seeds, 21 Kilograms of Cannabis-infused Ethanol, 83 grams of Hashish Oil 123mg THC-70 CBD.
1.127 Kilograms of Cannabis Cream, 80 grams of the fresh Cannabis plant and 25 grams of dried Cannabis plant were also recovered.
Other items found in the active laboratory are 500 grams of Potassium Hydroxide Pellets, Propyl Alcohol.
“500 grams of Sodium Hydroxide Pellets, distilled water, Water Aspirator Vacuum Pump, round bottom flasks, Citric Acid, PH Meter, Retort Stands, Distillation Flasks, Printer, wireless wifi, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
“Two vehicles belonging to the suspect were seized as they were suspected to have been acquired from the proceeds of the illicit drug trade. Also detected are two bank accounts belonging to the suspect and one jointly operated by the suspect and his mother,” Achema added.
