Jakarta, Jan. 27 -- Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) warned that misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or Whip Pink (N2O), is highly dangerous and can cause oxygen deprivation, permanent nerve damage and even death.

BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said outside medical use, nitrous oxide is often abused as an inhalant to produce brief euphoria, relaxation or mild hallucinations.

"Long-term use can lead to permanent nerve damage, severe vitamin B12 deficiency and the risk of death due to oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia," Suyudi said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He urged the public never to experiment with the gas, stressing that its perceived short-term effects mask serious and potentially fatal heal...