The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially put a stop to the sales and use of nitrous oxide popularly known as laughing gas as a result of its abuse.
The chairman of the NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa announced this in a statement put forward through the agency's Director of Media and Advocacy yesterday.
It read: "Nitrous oxide is a colorless 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.
The Agency said pending when other measures are taken in consultation with other stakeholders, especially the Federal Ministry of Health, to curb the menace, it will not hesitate to wield the big stick against anyone, no matter their social status, involved in illegal sale or use of nitrous oxide in the overall interest of public health.
It urges parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting experimenting or abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall well being."
Nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas has been used by many young adults as a drug or stimulant to get high.
This chemical, however, has numerous side effects which can be deadly to the human body. Those who abuse this gas usually transfer it from its container into a balloon and they inhale it afterwards.
After inhaling it, the substance abusers are then faced with dizziness, hallucinations, headache, short breath, and other psychological complications which can be harmful to the body in the long run.
The chairman of the NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa announced this in a statement put forward through the agency's Director of Media and Advocacy yesterday.
It read: "Nitrous oxide is a colorless 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.
The Agency said pending when other measures are taken in consultation with other stakeholders, especially the Federal Ministry of Health, to curb the menace, it will not hesitate to wield the big stick against anyone, no matter their social status, involved in illegal sale or use of nitrous oxide in the overall interest of public health.
It urges parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting experimenting or abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall well being."
Nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas has been used by many young adults as a drug or stimulant to get high.
This chemical, however, has numerous side effects which can be deadly to the human body. Those who abuse this gas usually transfer it from its container into a balloon and they inhale it afterwards.
After inhaling it, the substance abusers are then faced with dizziness, hallucinations, headache, short breath, and other psychological complications which can be harmful to the body in the long run.