Laughing gas may be included in dangerous substances list

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is studying the possibility of including nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, in the list of dangerous substances.

At a press briefing yesterday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP is coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to get more information on laughing gas.

“As we speak, under Republic Act 9165, nitrous oxide is not yet included on the list of dangerous substances. But, nonetheless, the NBI, PDEA and PNP are now studying the possibility of naming nitrous oxide as one of the dangerous drugs,” Fajardo told reporters in Filipino.

She underscored the harmful effects of nitrous oxide.

“This is being used as a medical substance if you are brought to the hospital. It is like anesthesia. So, if you inhale this over and beyond the allowable amount, the tendency is the user will be high,” Fajardo said.

She added that at the very least, individuals who will be caught using laughing gas will be charged under Presidential Decree 1619.

Signed by the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on July 23, 1979, PD 1619 penalizes the use, possession or unauthorized sale to minors of volatile substances for the purpose of inducing intoxication or in any manner changing, distorting or disturbing the auditory, visual or mental process and providing intervention measures and/or appropriating funds for the purpose, according to the Official Gazette.

Over the weekend, the NBI arrested seven Vietnamese for allegedly selling nitrous oxide in balloons at a bar in Pasay City.