Possession of Nitrous Oxide

Possession of Nitrous Oxide

Dear Ward Members,

Did you know it is illegal to be in possession Nitrous Oxide, as it is a controlled drug – Class C in Contravention of Section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with the intention of wrongfully inhaling it.

In September 2021 following increasing reports of the harms associated with it’s misuse, the government decided to control Nitrous Oxide under the 1971 Act as a class C drug, as a result of recent rise in health and the impact on communities and public confidence in the use of Nitrous Oxide when inhaled.

The dangers of inhaling Nitrous Oxide can cause heart attacks and irregular heartbeats. Regular use can cause long term nerve damage, along with dizziness, unconsciousness, damage to spinal cord and difficulty walking and problems feeling their arms and legs.

The offence carries a 2 year imprisonment or unlimited fine or both.

Last week in Leighton Street a female was caught inhaling Nitrous Oxide from a balloon and admitted ownership of a quantity of cannisters, on this occasion the female was issued a Community Resolution, as she admitted and accepted responsibility for the offence.

In Fairfield ward a male was stood in George Street causing a nuisance, when Officers attended found the male in the street with 2 cannisters of Nitrous Oxide and had a balloon in his mouth, a Community Resolution was issued.

If you do see empty cannisters on the street / road, then please contact Croydon Council for collection or use the Love Clean Streets App.