Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
Brits are being warned over 'laughing gas' sellers who are delivering potentially fatal bottles of nitrous oxide across the UK within just 20 minutes.
The tactic used by sellers has been unearthed following the inquest of student Ellen Mercer, 24, who died from 'long-term complications of nitrous oxide use'.
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She inhaled two to three 'big bottles' of the substance each day and was taken to hospital on 9 February 2023.
Shortly after Mercer was treated by medical staff at Wexham Park Hospital Emergency Department, she was found unresponsive 24 hours later, and was declared dead at 1.15am.
Following the inquest, the Mirror has revealed that dealers have been selling the Class C drug with ease on social media.
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Dealers are reportedly offering 24/7 services and are capable of delivering large nitrous oxide canisters to the city centre in just 20 minutes, including the likes of Manchester and London.
The outlet found that traders would distribute the gas across the UK and escape the law by claiming they were selling it through the catering industry.
One trader claimed they would be able to deliver from 10am to 1am weekdays, and until 4am on weekends.
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Another Manchester dealer said they would offer '20 min drops' with 'Free and Fast Delivery'.
Dr Niall Campbell, lead addiction consultant at The Priory Roehampton, commented on the findings, adding: “I’m alarmed that it is so easily accessible and the risk and danger it poses. I’m alarmed at the number of people who really, really like it who end up alone, addicted.”
The company which offers 'mental health, detox & addiction treatment' regularly treats laughing gas users, as one person was said to have used 18 canisters in just one day.
“We see significant numbers of these people,” Dr Campbell added.
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“It can lead to psychosis, delusional side effects and physical problems.”
Using laughing gas to get high was banned by the Government, and was made a Class C drug in November 2023.
In February 2024, dealer Thomas Salton, 30, from Brentwood in Essex, became the first person to be jailed for possessing the drug.
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Alex Hinds, a prosecutor for CPS East of England, said: “The evidence against Thomas Salton was overwhelming and this case is an example of all parts of the justice system working together to get drugs and those who sell them off the streets.
“The change in the law coupled with the actions of the police has allowed the CPS to present the strongest case in court and put Thomas Salton out of business and into prison.
“Nitrous oxide is a dangerous drug and hopefully this first conviction will deter those thinking of buying or selling it.”
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week
Anish Vij