Unregulated ‘nang’ access poses deadly risk to Gold Coast youth

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media. FULL DETAILS

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media.

Residents of Gold Coast unit blocks have reported finding piles of the noxious drug canisters littered around complexes after being used by partying youths.

An investigation by the Gold Coast Bulletin found companies offering ‘nang’ delivery across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, straight to your door, within 15 to 60 minutes.

Orders can be made online with no ID requested for age verification.

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media.

At the weekend a concerned Surfers Paradise resident reported finding bags of used ‘nangs’ in her apartment building in bags bearing the delivery company’s logo.

“How the hell can this be legal?”, she asked in a social media post.

Other residents said the sale of ‘nangs’ needs to be regulated.

“Unfortunately since harder drugs are illegal people seek out “legal” alternatives,” one person said.

“All these do is give you a head rush for a minute and brain damage.

“Nangs are straight up just not worth the risk over the reward. And because they make you do impulsive things, you’re much more likely to take more than you planned.”

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media.

Inside ‘nangs’ or, nitrous oxide bulbs, is a clear and tasteless gas often used as a medical anaesthetic, in car engines and in whipped cream canisters.

However for years the Schedule 6 poison has been used recreationally – with devastating consequences resulting in death and nerve damage.

In 2023 a 30-year-old man died in a Surfers Paradise hotel spa after ingesting ‘nangs’ – while an 18-year-old Schoolie fell 11 storeys to his death at the Surf Regency Apartments in Surfers Paradise after ingesting the substance in 2018.

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police Service said while the possession of nitrous oxide is not illegal in Queensland as there are legitimate uses for them, police officers have the power to search for, seize and dispose of potentially harmful things under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000.

The Summary Offences Act 2005 also creates a number of offences in relation to the sale of potentially harmful things, including nitrous oxide, to minors and people who the seller believes might misuse the product by ingesting or inhaling it.

Teenagers are having deadly so-called ‘nangs’ delivered to their door in as little as 15 minutes by companies openly flouting their wares on social media.

In Western Australia the Cook Government implemented the toughest regulations in Australia to protect young people from misuse – restricting the sale of ‘nangs’ to registered food and beverage businesses, select businesses with a liquor licence, and other persons approved by the Department of Health.

Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Unregulated ‘nang’ access poses deadly risk to Gold Coast youth