Nitrous Oxide

We have over the last few weeks had reports of the small silver Nitrous Oxide canisters being found in car parks and park areas. The contents of these canisters are being inhaled as a drug. The Talk To Frank website https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide#how-it-feels has the following information and guidance:-

• Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that’s most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters.
• You may have seen these metal canisters lying around in streets outside bars and nightclubs.
• Some people say that the gas has a slightly sweet smell and taste
• Nitrous oxide is inhaled.
• People open the canister, transfer the gas into a container (usually a balloon), then inhale from the balloon.
• Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure. It can cause a spasm of the throat muscle and stop a person breathing.
• How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size, whether you’ve eaten and what other drugs you may have also taken.
• Nitrous oxide is often taken in combination with other drugs. So its effects can be unpredictable, as it depends on what other drugs are being taken with it.
• It is very dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister, and doing it in an enclosed space is also very dangerous.
• If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen. People have died this way.
• Dizziness, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously.
• Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. Severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult.
• Regular use can stop you forming white blood cells properly.
• It can be hard to judge the amount to use safely. If you have too much you can end up fainting, having an accident or worse.
• Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is especially dangerous as it can increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents.
• It may be possible to become psychologically dependent on nitrous oxide, meaning that users develop an increased desire to keep using it despite the harm it may cause, but the evidence on this is limited.
• In anecdotal reports, some people have reported developing cravings or feelings that they want to continue using nitrous oxide.

The Law on Nitrous Oxide –

• This is a psychoactive drug and is covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which means it’s illegal to give away or sell.
• There’s no penalty for possession, unless you’re in prison.
• Supply and production can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
• Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.
• If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.
• As of 2016, nitrous oxide is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act and is illegal to supply for its psychoactive effect.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour Online

You can now report Anti-Social Behaviour online via our website – https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-b/report-antisocial-behaviour/

The website also has a number of different topics that can reported this way.