Police target laughing gas users amid rising nitrous oxide concerns
Fewer arrests highlight challenges in enforcing new nitrous oxide ban
A young woman holding a bright yellow balloon in her mouth giggles as a police car pulls up beside her. Her friend in the Fiat 500 inhales gas from a blue balloon. Both women, visibly high, continue giggling as two officers emerge from the police car. Their mission targets individuals suspected of inhaling banned laughing gas.
“I’ve just seen a couple of balloons, so we believe you’ve been using nos,” states Spelthorne Borough Commander Matthew Walton to the women. Since November, nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has been classified as a Class C substance and banned for recreational use. Offenders may face up to two years in prison.
Data from 22 UK police forces, compiled by a news agency, shows fewer than 78 arrests for nitrous oxide possession in the first three months of the ban, with 16 individuals charged.
PUBLIC CAUTION: MISUSE OF NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS) pic.twitter.com/63EbfpLwLN
— FDAGhana (@fdaghana) January 24, 2023
Last month in Staines, the police operation followed a tip-off from a local litter-picking group about nitrous oxide hotspots. Officers found used balloons and a large box containing several canisters of the gas. The atmosphere shifted; nobody was laughing anymore. A female officer conducted body searches. A nearby sign warned of a £1,000 fine for anyone using nitrous oxide, stating, “No laughing matter.”
Neither woman was arrested or charged. Instead, the driver, appearing to be in her late teens, was offered a voluntary attendance interview. “Depending on what she says, we’ll decide on a caution, a referral to Checkpoint for education on drug-driving, or possibly a charge,” said Commander Walton. He emphasised the balance police need to maintain, considering risks and priorities, but warned that nitrous oxide use could lead to more serious crimes. “There’s a degree, especially with young people, where nos use can lead to cannabis and sometimes harder drugs,” Walton noted.
At the Notting Hill Carnival, three friends sat on the pavement while a barbecue sent smoke into the air. One friend, holding a silver balloon, almost didn’t notice it fly away as she smiled. She quickly replaced it with another. Amidst the noise, the hiss of the balloon being filled was audible. A large silver canister sat between her legs as she laughed with friends when they realised they were being filmed by Sky News. Despite seeing the group using balloons, police officers walked by without intervention. Later, a patrol car rolled past slowly, still without acting.
Some 7,000 officers were deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, the UK’s largest annual street party. The Metropolitan Police prioritised offences posing more immediate risks, leading to questions about the nitrous oxide ban’s justification.
Steve Rolles, senior policy analyst at Transform Drug Policy, stated, “Prohibitions generally can change behaviours and markets, but they don’t stop people taking drugs.” Rolles noted that the law aims to reduce nitrous oxide’s public profile at high-surveillance events like Carnival.
This year, discarded canisters at Carnival were about half as numerous. However, Rolles warned that users might continue misusing nitrous oxide in private, unsupervised spaces, leading to potentially more dangerous consequences. “If this pushes people from nitrous oxide to more harmful drugs, it’s not a public health win. There might be less litter, but the public health situation could worsen.”
Policy makers may claim success for the ban, but Rolles cautioned that the problem could simply be displaced geographically or shift to less conspicuous drugs, potentially resulting in more dangerous substance use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a Class C substance banned for recreational use in the UK.
What are the consequences of possessing nitrous oxide?
Possession of nitrous oxide can lead to a two-year prison term and other legal consequences.
Why do police prioritize other offences over nitrous oxide at events like Notting Hill Carnival?
Police prioritize offences posing more immediate risks, even with visible nitrous oxide use, to ensure public safety.
How has the ban on nitrous oxide affected its public use?
The ban has reduced its public profile at events, but may push users to more private or potentially more dangerous drug use.
What are the possible penalties for nitrous oxide use if not arrested?
Penalties may include a police caution, referral to an education program, or charges based on the situation.
