Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa has ordered the arrest of sellers and users of nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas”.
Spokesperson of the agency, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, ‘laughing gas’ which is used for pain relief is fast becoming a drug in demand in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
“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 its inhaled for euphoric effects,” he added.
Babafemi also said the agency will not hesitate to wield the big stick against anyone, no matter how highly placed.
