Marwa Orders Nationwide Clampdown On Illegal Sale, Use Of Nitrous Oxide Drugs
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), on Tuesday, banned the use of illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as 'laughing gas'
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), on Tuesday, banned the use of illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as 'laughing gas'
NDLEA boss equally directed all commands and formations of the Agency to begin an immediate clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Tuesday 11 July, 2023, said Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief,.
According to him, more often its used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures.
He disclosed that the drug popularly called "laughing gas" or N20," is a fast emerging drug in demand in Nigeria by young party-goers or fun-seekers to feel intoxicated or high.
According to him, the gas is often transferred from its containers into balloons, from where it’s inhaled for euphoric effects stressing that the decision to clampdown on those involved in illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, follows analysis of the effects on those who abuse the substance.
He stated that the dangers of the drug was that it causes "dizziness; disorientation, headache; light headedness; fainting spells; hallucinations; falling unconscious 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 would 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.
NDLEA urged parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting to experiment or abuse the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing.
What's Your Reaction?
