Jakarta. Indonesian police have uncovered an illegal operation producing and distributing nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters under the “Whip Pink” brand, raiding multiple sites across the capital as concerns grow over the substance’s misuse.

The crackdown comes amid rising concern over the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” which is legally used in food preparation and medical settings but is increasingly abused for recreational purposes and can be fatal.

The operation was led by the narcotics division of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, targeting three locations in Kemayoran, Pulo Gadung, and Pademangan.

Director of the narcotics division, Eko Hadi Santoso, said the case began with reports of the widespread circulation of Whip Pink products, prompting undercover purchases between April 9 and 13 to trace distribution points.

“The case involves the illegal production and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the form of N₂O gas,” Eko said in a statement on Wednesday.

Investigators first identified a distribution point in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, where orders were delivered via ride-hailing couriers. A raid on a shop-house at the location led to the arrest of a man identified as SUG, who allegedly managed stock and shipments. Police seized multiple variants of Whip Pink gas canisters at the site.

Further investigation into a sales administrator’s contact led officers to a rented house in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, where a woman identified as E admitted to handling sales and accounting for the operation.

Police later traced the production site to a shop-house in Pademangan, North Jakarta. During an early morning raid on Tuesday, officers detained four workers and uncovered equipment used to refill smaller canisters from larger gas tanks ranging from 27 to 32 kilograms.

Authorities said the operation produced canisters in various sizes, from 580 grams to more than 2 kilograms, many of which were ready for distribution.

Eko added that the network operated at scale, with at least 16 warehouses spread across major cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Balikpapan, Surabaya, Medan, Bali and Lombok. The business reportedly generated revenue reaching billions of rupiah.

Nine individuals have been taken in for questioning as witnesses, and police said the investigation is ongoing to identify suspects and pursue criminal charges.

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has warned the public against experimenting with the substance, adding that while it is not classified as a narcotic under current law, its misuse can have severe consequences.

BNN chief Suyudi Ario Seto said nitrous oxide produces a short-lived euphoric effect but carries fatal health risks.

Often marketed in small metal canisters for whipped cream dispensers, the gas is increasingly misused as an inhalant to induce temporary euphoria or mild hallucinations.

Health officials warn that such misuse can lead to oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and even death. Prolonged exposure may also cause permanent neurological disorders and severe vitamin B12 deficiency.