“Worrying Trend” of Recreational Laughing Gas Use in Newark

Newark and Sherwood District Council have issued a warning to anyone risking their lives by inhaling nitrous oxide after thousands of canisters have been found littered across the district.

Nitrous Oxides is also known as ‘laughing gas’ and ‘Noz’, and can be bought legitimately for catering purposes.

But according to NSDC, reckless individuals seeking a quick high are risking their lives by inhaling the has and discarding empty canisters at various locations, including Sconce and Devon Park and the Riverside carpark in Newark, Tipping Wood in Blidworth as well as parks and secluded laybys.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is urging users to “Say No to N.O.” and is working with partners including Newark Police and Change Grow Live – a charity specialising in substance misuse to raise awareness of the dangers to both users themselves and the public.

Inhaling the gas slows down your brain and therefore your body's responses. As well as numbness and relaxation, it often leaves the user unable to think straight, causing fits of laughter.

It can also lead to hallucinations and breathing difficulties in some people, while for others it can bring on a sudden and immediate headache. 

The council is also stepping up monitoring of the issue and is utilising its officer patrols and CCTV surveillance across the district to identify those taking the drug.

District council leader David Lloyd said: “The substance has already been linked to a number of deaths and it’s so important that those using them knows that they are putting both themselves and the public in danger.”

He continued to say that discarding empty canisters in community areas creates a safety risk, “As well as the clear and very obvious health dangers, littering in itself is illegal. Our street cleansing teams and park rangers are receiving regular reports of the canisters being dumped, but especially in locations such as Sconce and Devon Park which is regularly used by families and young children, we have to ensure these are removed straight away to ensure the space is kept safe, tidy and free from danger.”

Parents are asked to check their children's’ clothing for the empty metal canisters and discuss the dangers if they are found.

Like many other drugs, driving under the influence of nitrous oxide is also an offence.

Inspector Heather Sutton, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood Police said: "This is a worrying trend that puts our community at risk. Someone driving after they have inhaled Nitrous Oxide could be guilty of drug driving offences: it is an offence to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a vehicle and you're unfit to do so because you're on legal or illegal drugs. 

“If you are convicted for drug driving you'll get a minimum one year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. This will remain on your driving licence for 11 years and future car insurance costs will significantly increase." 

Secondary schools across Newark and Sherwood will be invited to join the campaign and take part in educational assemblies with the council and its partners to raise awareness of the gas.