Two years behind bars for illegally using laughing gas

ILLEGAL users of laughing gas face up to two years in jail in the crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Rishi Sunak said drugs were ‘a scourge on our communities’ and vowed to ban nitrous oxide, which is typically sold in small canisters and inhaled with a small balloon. He also pledged to increase drug testing for suspects in cases including domestic abuse, serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

The law already prohibits the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation.

But the Government plans to make it a Class C drug, putting users at risk of up to two years in jail and unlimited fines.

Supply and production would lead to up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine or both.

Ministers hope to bring in the new penalties by the end of the year. The move comes despite the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs saying a ban would be disproportionate.

Nitrous oxide is the third most popular drug for young people, behind cannabis and cocaine. It can be used legally for catering and healthcare.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman told MPs last night: ‘This Government will put an end to the hordes of youths loitering in and littering parks with empty canisters.’