The chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Dr¥g Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa has directed all commands and formations of the agency to start an immediate clampdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas following its ab¥se by people who use it for recreational purposes.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, at the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday, July 11.
According to the statement, “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 dr¥g in demand in Nigeria by young party-goers or fun-seekers to feel intoxic@ted or high.
The gas is often transferred from its containers into balloons, from where it is inhaled for euphoric effects.
The decision to clampdown on those involved in the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide follows an analysis of the effects on those who ab¥se the substance, which include: dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; hallucinations; falling unconscious, disorientation, fainting spells; and/or suffocating from lack of oxygen; and other neurological complications, especially psychiatric symptoms.
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 ab¥sing the substance, which poses thr£ats to their mental and overall wellbeing.”
