The Brussels-Capital Region has long been plagued by the improper use of nitrous oxide (more commonly known as laughing gas). Even with the recently imposed ban, large canisters can still regularly be spotted littering streets, and users continue to disrupt residents.
For over 250 years, nitrous oxide has been used as a sedative in medical and dental procedures. However, more and more people are using the gas recreationally, inhaling it for its rapid but short-lived feelings of euphoria, relaxation and detachment. Recreational use has been increasing for some years in Europe as it is cheap, easily available and perceived as safe, and caused particular concern around 2019.
However, the negative effects quickly became clear: chronic use causes serious health consequences; many people use laughing gas before driving, endangering the safety of other road users; it costs refuse agencies millions to process, and disrupts public safety.
Belgium therefore banned the sale of nitrous oxide to minors in 2022. Earlier this year, an overall ban on the import, export, sale, storage and possession came into force, except when used for medical, culinary or technical purposes (proper use).
"The law has been in effect for several months, and now the focus is on enforcement by police and the authorities," a spokesperson for the Justice Ministry, Jan Van der Cruysse, told The Brussels Times. "People caught using this substance will be punished in the same way as those using other drugs."
Hundreds of litres seized
This enforcement is visible on the ground: earlier this month, officers from the Brussels North police zone carried out checks in newsagents in the North Quarter, where empty laughing gas canisters are regularly sighted, to check conformity with the law.
"The use of nitrous oxide remains an issue of which we – as well as the Public Prosecutor's Office and municipalities – are well aware," police spokesperson Audrey Dereymaeker told The Brussels Times. She added that the "improper" use results in a "change in user behaviour that can lead to public order disturbances or an increase in the feeling of insecurity."
People driving under the influence of nitrous oxide, as with alcohol or narcotics, is also very problematic. "For all these reasons, we are following up on this phenomenon and organising checks of shops selling bottles of nitrous oxide for improper use."
Nitrous oxide canisters have been getting larger to cater to the growing demand. Credit: Orlando Whitehead
Near one shop on Place Liedts in Schaerbeek, police saw seven people in possession of laughing gas canisters. Officers searched the shop and seized 348 litres of nitrous oxide. The manager of the shop was arrested, and released conditionally after questioning.
"However, this does not mean there won't be a follow-up. That person will certainly have to explain this large seizure," Van der Cruysse said. "The punishment will be harsher if they are caught violating the law again."
At a second newsagents on Rue Brabant, four people were caught in possession of bottles of nitrous oxide. An official report was issued to the shopkeeper for selling the substance.
