Catalan towns turn to civility rules to curb laughing gas sales

Catalan municipalities are increasingly relying on civility ordinances to combat the spread of nitrous oxide, or 'laughing gas', as recreational use surges, particularly among young people at festivals and nightlife spots. In early July, Mossos d'Esquadra arrested three Dutch men who had traveled to Catalonia to sell the substance at the Sónar festival, seizing 107 canisters, 25,000 balloons, and €4,000 in cash Source: El Español. The arrests highlight how recreational use has become entrenched in leisure settings, with balloons selling for as little as €5 and vendors earning up to €1,500 a night Source: El Español.

The problem

Police report finding sellers near bars and outdoor drinking areas in Barcelona, and cleaning crews discover empty canisters 'anywhere' Source: El Español. A fatal crash in Poblenou, which killed two drivers, involved a canister found in the vehicle Source: El Español. The trend, imported from northern Europe, has grown since 2016 and spiked after the pandemic, with consumption peaking in summer Source: El Español.

Enforcement gaps

Municipalities face a legal limbo: nitrous oxide is not classified as a narcotic, so they resort to civility rules to remove it from streets Source: El Español. In a separate incident, Mossos arrested three repeat offenders in Salou for trafficking hashish and nitrous oxide, seizing 90 grams of hashish, six bottles, and €340 Source: El Confidencial. The suspects, aged 21 and 34, had about 50 prior police records Source: El Confidencial.

What's next

Authorities continue to target sellers, but the lack of specific drug legislation complicates prosecution, leaving local ordinances as a primary tool Source: El Español.