Sale and possession of laughing gas may be made illegal in drug crackdown
Sale and possession of laughing gas could be outlawed under new plans to tackle antisocial behaviour, the government is set to announce.
A Home Office source told The Mirror that a crackdown on nitrous oxide, known as "hippy crack" is being weighed up by ministers - with drug laws expected to be updated later this year.
This could see people found in possession of the drug face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine, or 14 years for supplying it.
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.
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Under current laws the 'knowing or reckless supply' of nitrous oxide - which can also be used for pain relief - is banned.
Use of laughing gas has soared in recent years (file image) (UIG via Getty Images)Policing minister Chris Philp is reportedly pushing for an ongoing review of nitrous oxide by the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to be fast-tracked to April.
It has been suggested that the formal announcement of a ban could be made as part of the Government's antisocial behaviour strategy due later this year.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue in his new year's speech earlier this month, 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.”
Rishi Sunak has spoken out against laughing gas use (BBC Parliament)In a speech earlier this month, Rishi 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.”
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