Another catch on the laughter gas in Ayia Napa

Police made two arrests in connection with the illegal sale of a "Laughing Gas" type drug, in the early hours of today, in the province of Famagusta.

They are 24-year-old and 19-year-old, who were spotted by members of the Famagusta OPE, on a street in Ayia Napa, approaching passers-by in order to sell them Laughing Gas.

An investigation revealed that they were in possession of a metal gas-fired flask with two orifices in each flask. In one mouth there was a connected balloon and in the other mouth there was a attached case where an ampoule is placed.

The 24-year-old confiscated the gas cylinder, 26 unused ampoules, three used ampoules, 42 empty balloons and the amount of € 58,50. The gas cylinder, 19 unused ampoules, 30 used ampoules, 18 empty balloons and the amount of € 35 were confiscated from the 85-year-old.

The two women were arrested for a self-inflicted crime and remanded in custody to facilitate interrogations.

Last year, 15 cases were examined in which 14 gas cylinders, 593 ampoules and 483 balloons as well as 1.809 euros were confiscated.

For 2014, the Police investigated 12 similar cases.

Each ampoule or balloon sells for around 3-5 euros and tourists usually get them from itinerant resellers, most of whom are foreign tourists.

But what is Laughter Gas?

Nitric oxide or nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, diluent, nitro or NOS, is a chemical compound of formula N2O which belongs to the nitrogen oxides. At room temperature it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet smell and taste.

Where is it used?

It is used in surgery and dentistry due to its anesthetic and analgesic action. It is also known as the gas of laughter because it causes euphoria when inhaled, a property that has led to its use for fun. It is also used as an oxidizing agent in rockets (!) And in car racing to increase engine power. At high temperatures, nitrous oxide is a powerful oxidant, similar to molecular oxygen.

How does it work;

The gas that has a sweet taste and a pleasant smell, can cause dizziness, euphoria, loss of contact with reality, some hallucinations and laughter, which is why it is also called laughter gas.

The side effects of inhaling laughter gas, however, are hypoxia, transient leukopenia, acute respiratory failure, and hyperthermia. It can also cause dizziness, euphoria, loss of contact with reality, some hallucinations and laughter, which is why it is called laughter gas.