In a startling revelation, Irish authorities have seized over 46,000 canisters of potentially lethal nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, in just the first eight months of 2024. This massive haul dwarfs last year’s total of 584 canisters, sparking urgent calls for new legislation to combat the growing crisis.
The surge in seizures highlights the alarming popularity of this substance among young people. Empty canisters litter streets across Ireland’s cities and suburbs, a visible testament to its widespread misuse.
While nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in the catering industry, Revenue officials can seize shipments suspected of being imported for illegal purposes. This year’s seizures came from just eight operations, with single hauls as large as 10,800 canisters, indicating that smugglers are bringing in increasingly larger batches.
Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins praised Revenue’s efforts but warned that these seizures likely represent only a fraction of the problem. She urged parents to be vigilant, as many young people are purchasing the gas online and having it delivered directly to their homes.
According to Irish Examiner, the appeal of nitrous oxide lies in its low cost – as little as €5 per canister – and the brief euphoric high it produces. However, the risks are severe. Earlier this year, a 14-year-old girl required resuscitation and suffered extensive frostbite after inhaling the gas. In 2020, a 15-year-old Dublin boy tragically died after using the substance.
Medical experts warn of potentially devastating effects on the heart, lungs, and brain. Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould emphasized that the substance’s legal status for commercial use has led some young people to underestimate its dangers.
As empty canisters continue to pile up on Irish streets, lawmakers are racing to close legal loopholes. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Control of Nitrous Oxide) Bill 2023 is currently before the Seanad, aiming to tighten restrictions on this increasingly popular but potentially deadly substance.
With seizures on the rise and young lives at stake, Ireland faces a crucial moment in its battle against the misuse of nitrous oxide. As authorities work to stem the tide, education and awareness remain key weapons in the fight against this deceptively dangerous “cheap high.”