Police warn of new 'drug craze' sweeping across Wakefield

Police in Wakefield are warning about a new "drug craze" which has been reported across the district.
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Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas or nos, is a colourless gas which is often inhaled using balloons.

Widely used in food including whipped cream canisters, the gas is usually stored in small silver canisters.

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But police in Wakefield have issued a stark new warning about the "extremely dangerous" drug, which they say is being widely used across the district.

Police in Wakefield are warning about a new "drug craze" which has been reported across the district. Stock image.Police in Wakefield are warning about a new "drug craze" which has been reported across the district. Stock image.
Police in Wakefield are warning about a new "drug craze" which has been reported across the district. Stock image.

Sharing a photo of the small silver canisters, the force said: "We would like to make the community aware of the recent drug craze that’s happening in and around the Wakefield District. Pictured below are small gas canisters which contain Nitrous Oxide, these has been seized from Orchard Head Crescent, Pontefract.

"They are widely available as they are used in catering such as whipped cream canisters. They are also similar to the canisters found in paint ball guns and air powered weapons in which contain Carbon Dioxide, also fatal if inhaled.

"Nitrous Oxide is used in medicine commonly known as laughing gas, which when administered, gives a person a feeling of happiness and giddiness.

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"It is extremely dangerous to be inhaling from such pressurised canisters and air can become trapped in your bloodstream or brain causing a serious risk to your health potentially resulting in death.

"We advise not to use these for this purpose as it is illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 to supply Nitrous Oxide for human consumption."

Government advice service Talk To Frank warns that users may fall unconscious or suffocate after taking the drug, and warns of other long-term health effects including anaemia.

Find out more here.