Jakarta, April 9 -- Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the National Police have launched a crackdown on the illegal online sale of nitrous oxide (N₂O), marketed under the brand "Baby Whip," stressing that the gas is restricted to medical use.

BPOM chief Taruna Ikrar said Thursday that the measure aims to protect young people, as the product is being targeted at teenagers and young adults.

He warned that misuse of nitrous oxide-commonly known as "laughing gas"-poses serious risks to both physical and mental health, and has been linked to fatalities.

A circular issued in February clarified that nitrous oxide packaged as "Baby Whip" or similar products is not classified as a food additive.

Under Indonesian law, ...