Warning of dangers of nitrous oxide issued after a member of the Eden Neighbourhood policing team on routine foot patrol in Penrith on Tuesday afternoon was approached by local children who had been playing in Castle Park when they found a nitrous oxide canister in the park the children passed the canister over to the local PCSO and the PCSO was informed that some older children had been seen using it earlier in the day in Castle park.
Cumbria Police have issued a reminder that nitrous oxide is illegal to possess outside a medical environment and is a class C drug. A spokesperson for the Eden Neighbourhood Policing team said “Parents, please have a word with your children about the dangers of using illegal drugs”.
The use of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, as a recreational drug soared during the pandemic and is presently one of the most-used drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK.
Among the danger of inhaling nitrous oxide includes the risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen other effects include dizziness, which can make those inhaling the gas act carelessly or dangerously putting themselves and others at risk.
Those found in unlawful possession of nitrous oxide face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a caution - which would appear on their criminal record. Repeat serious offenders may face a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, or both.
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