REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed a ban on possession of ‘laughing gas’ after campaigning for the drug to be made illegal.
The Government has announced possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal by the end of the year, with users facing up to two years in prison, under a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.
The ban was promised as part of the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, with the Home Secretary urging police forces to get tougher on flagrant drug taking in the streets, which blights communities.
Secondary legislation was brought forward earlier this month which will control nitrous oxide as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with the new measures expected to come into force by the end of the year.
Those found in unlawful possession of the drug could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, and up to 14 years for supply or production.
There will be exemptions for legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, for example in medical or catering industries.
Mrs Maclean said: “Having spoken to the local police about this issue and called on the Government to ban this drug during a debate in Parliament, I’m pleased to see decisive action to get laughing gas off our streets.
“This Government takes a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour which blights local communities, and we will continue to work hard to make our streets safer.”
