People in County Durham and Darlington warned about illegal nitrous oxide sales
Crimestoppers North East is doing a new campaign to raise awareness
People in County Durham and Darlington are being warned about the dangers of using nitrous oxide recreationally.
The independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a campaign across the region urging the public to share information, 100% anonymously, about who is illegally selling nitrous oxide canisters and where sales are taking place.
Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas” or “NOS” and using nitrous oxide can impair judgement, coordination and reactions, making driving dangerous and putting passengers and other road users at risk. It can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Crimestoppers say nitrous oxide has legitimate uses, including in medicine and catering, but supplying it when the seller knows, or is reckless as to whether, it will be inhaled to get high is illegal.
The charity added recreational use is very different from controlled medical use, where nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and used under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Recreational use does not have those clinical safeguards.
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“Nitrous oxide is often seen as harmless fun, but it isn’t. People can lose consciousness, and regular use can cause serious and sometimes permanent nerve damage. It also puts others at risk, particularly if someone gets behind the wheel.
“If you have information about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide but feel unsure about coming forward, you can tell Crimestoppers what you know without giving your name. You will never be asked to give a statement or go to court.
“Even a small detail about who is selling it illegally, or where sales are taking place, could help build a clearer picture and help prevent harm.”
What are the risks?
Recreational nitrous oxide use carries serious risks:
- Loss of consciousness or suffocation through lack of oxygen.
- Accidents causing serious injury or death to the user or others.
- Serious and potentially permanent nerve damage, from heavy, repeated use with symptoms including tingling, numbness and difficulty walking.
Report illegal nitrous oxide sales to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Calls are never recorded, IP addresses are never traced and personal details are never requested.
For health concerns after nitrous oxide use, call 999 in an emergency or NHS 111 otherwise. For confidential drug support, contact FRANK at talktofrank.com.