Hours after Nigerian doctor called out Olamide for sharing photo with Nitrous Oxide cannister in the background, NDLEA begins nationwide crackdown

The chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed all commands and formations of the Agency to begin 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.

A statement released by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, today July 11, says 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 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 it’s inhaled for euphoric effects.

The NDLEA in a statement on Tuesday 11th July reads:

Marwa orders nationwide clampdown on illegal sale, use of ‘laughing gas’

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed all commands and formations of the Agency to begin 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, 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 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.

The NDLEA in a statement on Tuesday 11th July said 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, which include: 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 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 abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Tuesday 11th July 2023

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Front page because most of these boys on nairaland are drug addicts. 😢

Drug and substances abuse is a big menace to a country.

Nigerians love drugs more than food

From sniffing soakaway to laughing gas. What is next?

All this yeyebrity are really destroying our society with their dirty lifestyle.

With this development, expecting more users to this drugs
You have succeeded in teaching those who don't know the procedure

They never catch people with AZ and Colo finish, na lagging gas next. Abeg make I laff small

If only these people know how fragile our organs are.

Imagine you inhale this chemical finish, fall unconsciously con use eye knack one marble top table. Otilo!

Sigh... Well done, Olamide!

Such a great role model to young people in Nigeria!

Omoo

Parents need to support the NDLEA

drug-abuse and illicit drug use is gradually becoming a pandemic.

I am just praying Xylazine and Fentanyl doesn't break into the society. Its going to be disastrous.

Some Nigerian youths will finally finish themselves.

Olamide don buy market

Next thing we hear, NDLEA go burst hin apartment.

Cash out loading

Just arrest helinues


He will take you to the dealer

Warris dis

No wonder these young guys for my area just dey smile anyhow, I just dey wonder if no be me and them dey share the country together.

.

Bolawhitedust:
Just arrest helinues


He will take you to the dealer

Man's search for highness will lead to his......

A wise man once said that the wealthy should invest in building many psychiatric hospitals in the society, as lots of people, esp the young ones, would lose sanity considering different substances they smoke & take these days.

..

Another distraction..


They want to make this highness popular..

Let it slide..

Most guys don't even know about this and they are not tempted..

Old drug.....just reaching naija.

SangoOlukosoOba:
Parents need to support the NDLEA

drug-abuse and illicit drug use is gradually becoming a pandemic.

I am just praying Xylazine and Fentanyl doesn't break into the society. Its going to be disastrous.

Were Nigerians one see money buy those ones?

This NDLEA will be indirectly promoting drug abuse thinking they're campaigning against it. Like they did with meth, they're doing with this nitrous oxide.

Machinegun91:
Nigerians love drugs more than food

The funny thing is that only the rich and well travelled have the means of maintaining such habits. The very poor, which happens to be majority, simply can't afford this.

Let this drug stay in its home shore. Nigerians do not need it. What the NDLEA should do is order the NFVCB to ban any music video promoting the substance. I do not believe any indigenous Nigerian is on it yet. This announcement will only promote its use.

Noted.