Nitrous oxide to be made illegal in months and users face two years in prison in drugs crackdown

Hippy crack to be banned

The recreational use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "hippy crack," will be made illegal in the UK by the end of the year, as part of a major drugs crackdown. Users who inhale the gas could face up to two years in prison.

Popular among young adults

Laughing gas is the third most used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England. Its popularity has raised concerns about anti-social behavior and the impact on communities.

A zero-tolerance approach

Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that the government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to drug abuse and anti-social behavior. In addition to imprisonment, individuals caught using laughing gas could also be fined heavily.

Strict penalties for dealers

Dealers of laughing gas could face prison sentences ranging from two to 14 years. The government is determined to crack down on the trade of this dangerous substance.

Increased drug testing

Last month, the UK government expanded the powers of the police to conduct drug tests on individuals arrested for Class A drugs, including ecstasy. Over 50,000 drug tests for cocaine and opiates have been carried out in the past year.

Prioritizing public health

Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp emphasized the dangers of misusing laughing gas and the need for decisive action. The government aims to protect public health by making possession of laughing gas an offense for the first time and increasing the maximum sentence for supply to 14 years.