A message from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner: There Is Nothing Funny About a Drug That Kills.

Nitrous oxide, misleadingly branded as “laughing gas”, is being normalised in ways that should concern every parent, every driver and every community.

At the weekend, a resident showed me a local car park strewn with discarded nitrous oxide canisters and boxes. It’s evidence of young people gathering in cars, inhaling the drug from balloons and driving away.

Nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in medicine and catering. However, since its reclassification under the Misuse of Drugs Act, possession for recreational use is a criminal offence. Supplying it for misuse is also illegal.

The drug deprives the brain of oxygen, causing dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of coordination and blackouts and getting behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.

Internationally there’s growing concern about the link between nitrous oxide misuse and collisions, resulting in people being killed or seriously injured.

As PCC, I called for nitrous oxide to be reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Those found in unlawful possession will face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a caution. Repeat serious offenders may face a prison sentence of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine.

The penalty for supply or production is up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. But the most devastating consequence is living with the knowledge that you have taken a life.

Recently I secured funding from the Department for Transport to develop an education and awareness pilot on the dangers of nitrous oxide. Working with Bishop Auckland College, young people are helping to design the campaign. 

To report nitrous oxide litter in County Durham, you can contact the County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service at 03000 266 666 or the Darlington Drug and Alcohol Service at 01325 809 810.

LEGAL EXPLAINER: Nitrous Oxide and the Law

• Nitrous oxide has legitimate medical and catering uses and is not banned in all circumstances.

• Since reclassification under the Misuse of Drugs Act, possession for recreational use is a criminal offence.

• Supplying nitrous oxide for misuse is illegal.

• Driving while impaired by nitrous oxide is illegal under drug driving laws.

• Penalties can include arrest, a criminal record, an unlimited fine, and a minimum 12‑month driving disqualification.

• Discarded canisters should be reported to your local council or Durham Constabulary via 101 or online reporting.

If you see it – report it. You could prevent serious injury or save a life.