Gas whipping brains
Legal high leaves users strung out
THERE are no laws in Queensland to stop a Gold Coast man who openly claimed to have delivered thousands of nitrous oxide canisters to schoolies and Glitter Strip revellers so they could get high.
In an online video this week the man was billed as the “Gold Coast’s only 24hour nang delivery service”, which has infuriated parents who say the effects of inhaling the gas have been devastating.
Speaking with media website Vice, the man, with a scarf barely covering his face, claimed to have sold thousands of the canisters of gas – commonly used to whip cream – on the Coast each night.
Revellers inhale the gas because it gives users a euphoric high.
“Schoolies Week was massive for us,” the man said on camera.
“The Gold Coast is pretty much a city that’s been manufactured as a playground for adults ... it’s a party city.”
But the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation warns long-term use of the canisters – dubbed “nangs” – can result in memory loss, psychosis, incontinence and even death.
The Queensland Police Service said selling nitrous oxide canisters was not illegal.
It is an issue that has devastated Currumbin woman Meg Sartor, 42, who said her 19-year-old son was fired from his construction job last week after inhaling up to 400 “nangs” a week.
Ms Sartor confronted the Surfers Paradise dealer in his apartment yesterday.
“A week ago he lost his job and talking to him was like dealing with someone with dementia,” she said.
“He was taking 300 to 400 of these every week and throwing away hundreds of dollars. I’m sure he has permanent brain damage now, I have no doubt there will be long-term effects.”
She said authorities needed to regulate their use.
“Woolworths and Coles have a four-tin limit on baby powder but you can buy 300 units of something to get high on,” she said.
“I’m watching my son selfdestruct to a legal drug. Not only is it ruining my child’s life, I can’t imagine how many other parents are out there feeling the same way.”
Ms Sartor said her son had been missing since Saturday.