People caught with nitrous oxide could face two years in prison
manchestereveningnews.co.ukPeople caught in possession of nitrous oxide could soon face up to two years in prison. The substance, otherwise known as laughing gas, will be categorised as a class C drug and therefore illegal by the end of the year, according to the government.
While supplying nitrous gas for recreational use is illegal, possession of the substance is not. The government detailed that the law change will see those in unlawful possession of the drug face up to two years in prison, or an unlimited fine.
Meanwhile, the supply and production of nitrous oxide will carry a sentence of up to 14 years. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features Despite this, exemptions towards the substance will be made for legal use, such as those in the medical and catering industries where it is used as a painkiller and producing whipped cream, respectively.
Announcing the change to the law, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said members of the public are "fed up with yobs abusing drugs in public spaces and leaving behind a disgraceful mess for others to clean up". Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link She added: "Earlier this year the prime minister and I promised a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour and that is what we are delivering.
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