The sale and possession of laughing gas is set to be outlawed under new government plans to tackle antisocial behaviour. To be announced next week, the move is part of a crackdown targeting public drug use, fly-tipping and lower-level crimes like graffiti.
LadBible reports Home secretary Suella Braverman will change existing drug misuse laws which will allow law enforcement to prosecute people who are found in possession of nitrous oxide gas - also known as 'hippy crack' - in public. The drug's popularity has soared in recent years, which more than 500,000 young people using it in 2019-20, according to government figures. It has been linked to 36 deaths between 2001 and 2016.
If new laws are approved, those found with the substance face prosecution unless they have a 'legitimate reason' - for example chefs, who use it for whipped cream and chilling food.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue in his New Year's speech, hitting out at antisocial behaviour and highlighting the blight of discarded "nitrous oxide canisters in children's playgrounds".
A source told The Times: “There is a clear view that we have to act. There is a clear link between the use of nitrous oxide and antisocial behaviour and this is a top priority for the government.”
In a speech earlier this year, Mr Sunak said: “Strong communities are also built on values, on the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. But too often, a small minority break that golden rule.
“They spray graffiti on war memorials, discard needles and nitrous oxide canisters in children’s playgrounds, gang together and cause disorder and disruption. Anti-social behaviour isn’t inevitable or a minor crime. It makes life miserable for so many and it can be a gateway to more extreme crimes.
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“So this Government will work tirelessly to crack down on anti-social behaviour, giving police forces, mayors and local authorities the tools they need and giving communities confidence that these crimes will be quickly and visibly punished.”
