'Dangerous laughing gas' bottles flogged online after student's death
dailyrecord.co.ukReckless online sellers are offering to deliver canisters of potentially fatal 'laughing gas' within just 20 minutes, a probe has found.The alarming trade was discovered after an inquest into the death of Ellen Mercer, 24, who died following dangerous nitrous oxide binges.The student had used 600g bottles - equal to 75 of the more common 8g bottles - after purchasing them online.The Mirror can reveal that brazen dealers are now peddling the drug on social media with some even offering a 24/7 delivery service.Possessing laughing gas to get high became a crime last year with the substance made a Class C drug. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. But traders get around the law by claiming they sell it for use by the catering industry.
Many canisters carry the phrase "not for human consumption".The Mirror found traders using Instagram accounts to sell the gas in London, Manchester and across the UK.
One, under the moniker Mr Whippy, vowed to deliver from 10am to 1am weekdays, and until 4am on weekends.Punters are brazenly told they can buy one big bottle, known as a "Whip" for £20 and two for £30.
Whip refers to the drug's legitimate legal use for whipping cream.Another trader in Manchester is offering "20 min drops" with "Free and Fast Delivery".
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