Nigeria's drug law enforcement agency has ordered an immediate crackdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas.
In a statement on their website, the head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Gen. Mohamed Marwa, said the strict decision "follows an analysis of the effects on those who abuse the substance".
Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an anaesthetic in medicine and dentistry, and in whipped cream cannisters.
The gas can make the user relaxed, giggly, light-headed or dizzy.
However, there are some serious health effects associated with the continued use of the gas such as headaches and in more serious cases fainting.
The agency urged parents and guardians to remain attentive to their children's actions adding that it "poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing".
Latest Stories
-
Samson’s Take: Arrogance of Power, Shameful Policing
2 hours -
Burnley score late to draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford
4 hours -
Bayer Leverkusen extend unbeaten run to 46 games after draw with Stuttgart
4 hours -
Chelsea come from two goals down to draw against Aston Villa
5 hours -
Andre Ayew scores in Le Havre’s 3-3 draw with PSG
5 hours -
GPL 2023/24: Kotoko draw with Medeama; Samartex go 7 points clear of Nations FC
5 hours -
Mahama cuts sod for construction of new multipurpose Jakpa palace in Damongo
5 hours -
NSS management assists Papao fire victims
6 hours -
EXPLAINER: Will dumsor end soon?
6 hours -
IMANI Africa takes on EC, accuses it of lying and publishing half truths
7 hours -
Manasseh Azure calls for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for GRA/SML contract
7 hours -
Kwesi Atuahene: Ghana’s health capital depends on HealthTech – Africa Center for Digital Transformation
8 hours -
13 signs your wife is planning on leaving you and you have no idea
8 hours -
IMANI Africa: Ghana’s EC’s dangerous and pathological conduct
8 hours -
If I speak there will be fire – Salah on Klopp row
9 hours