PNP eyes including laughing gas among dangerous drugs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering adding nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” to the list of dangerous drugs in the country amid reports of misuse.

In an interview on Monday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the police is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) after receiving reports that balloons filled with laughing gas were being sold in a club in Pasay City for users to get high.

“The PNP is now studying the possibility kung ipapasama natin as dangerous drug itong nitrous oxide because of its harmful effects, particularly dito sa mga events sa area na mayroong nagko-conduct ng mga party,” Fajardo told reporters.

(The PNP is studying the possibility of considering nitrous oxide as a dangerous drug because of its harmful effect, particularly in party places.)

Nitrous oxide is commonly used in hospitals as a form of anesthesia and must be administered by a doctor. According to Fajardo, those who inhale beyond the allowable amount usually exhibit elation and high energy.

However, it is not considered an illegal substance under Republic Act  (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Pinag-aaralan pa talaga kung beyond those indications na ikaw ay nagiging energetic and high ka, kung mayroon pang ibang harmful effect,” Fajardo said.

(We’re studying if there are other harmful effects.)

“But because it’s not considered a dangerous drug, hindi siya masasampahan ng kaso under RA 9165. At the very least, masasampahan sila ng violation ng Presidential Decree 1619 or yung illegal use nitong chemical substance na sinasabi natin,” she added.

(But because it’s not considered a dangerous drug, we cannot file cases against those who sell it. At the very least, we can file complaints for violating Presidential Decree 1619 or the illegal use of volatile substances.) — BM, GMA Integrated News