No laughing matter

POLICE in Marbella detained five people for distributing laughing gas.

National Police officers arrested five people on September 5 for alleged crimes against public health. The investigation that led to their arrest started when police learned nitrous oxide – commonly known as laughing gas – was being distributed in Puerto Banus.

Some of the short-time side effects of inhaling nitrous oxide include exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, numbness and twitching of the limbs. However, when used regularly, laughing gas can result in nerve damage, motor disorders and long-term damage to brain cells.

During the operation, the police also seized 2,000 doses of the gas and an undisclosed amount of canisters used to blow up balloons filled with nitrous oxide which were then sold at €5 each.