Recreational drug (laughing gas) widely used across Bedfordshire to become illegal

Recreational use of nitrous oxide is to become illegal from Wednesday with offenders facing up to two years in prison, under new laws. (8/11)

The ban is part of the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, making nitrous oxide (laughing gas) a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Under the new legislation anyone found guilty of supplying the drug for recreational use could be jailed for up to 14 years.

Secondary legislation will mean possession of nitrous oxide, where a person intends to wrongfully inhale it – for example ‘to get high’ – will be an offence. Consequences for breaking the new laws could include:

> an unlimited fine

> a visible community punishment

> a conditional caution – which would appear on your criminal record

> a community resolution

> a prison sentence for repeat serious offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Aaron Kiff, leading Bedfordshire Police’s drug strategy said: “We know all too well the adverse effects nitrous oxide has had on our young people and communities in recent times.

“Earlier this year, a judge was satisfied that a man had been inhaling laughing gas before he struck two pedestrians in his car and tragically killed them

“Our position is clear – we will crack down on anti-social behaviour spurred on by people who are unlawfully in possession of the substance as well as those who supply it to users for unlawful purposes.”

Detective Chief Inspector Aaron Kiff, leading Bedfordshire Police’s drug strategy said: “We know all too well the adverse effects nitrous oxide has had on our young people and communities in recent times.

“Earlier this year, a judge was satisfied that a man had been inhaling laughing gas before he struck two pedestrians in his car and tragically killed them.

“Our position is clear - we will crack down on anti-social behaviour spurred on by people who are unlawfully in possession of the substance as well as those who supply it to users for unlawful purposes.”

Nitrous oxide, NOS, is a colourless gas sold in canisters, usually inhaled using a balloon. It’s also known as Balloons, Chargers, Hippie Crack, Laughing Gas, Nos, Noz or Whippits.

It’s more dangerous inhaled direct from the canister and too much can make you faint, lose consciousness, or suffocate.

More information on nitrous oxide is available online.