Three British nationals, an establishment owner and two waitresses, have been arrested in Marbella for selling balloons of Nitrus Oxide (NO2), also known as ‘laughing gas’, at €5 per dose.
The effects of the gas are likened to those of glue sniffing with the effect lasting around three minutes. It has become a popular recreational ‘high’ amongst many young people.
Nitrous Oxide, however, can be quite toxic and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, reduced blood pressure and impaired blood circulation, heart and breathing problems, critical damage to the lungs and nervous system and can be addictive. Continued use can be fatal in some cases.
The detainees were allegedly distributing the gas to customers on a daily basis.