Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa has directed an immediate clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes.
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief during medical procedure but has now become an item with young fun seekers who often transfer it from containers into balloons, from where it is inhaled for euphoric effects.
But in a statement by Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the decision to clampdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide follows effects of its abuse which includes; 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 appealed to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against experimenting or abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing.
