Tackling banned nitrous oxide use 'a priority'
PA MediaA police force says tackling the ongoing illegal use of nitrous oxide is "a priority".
Durham Police pledged to work with Darlington Borough Council and residents to crackdown on reports of people inhaling the substance, commonly known as laughing gas, from balloons.
Possession of nitrous oxide became a criminal offence for recreational use in England and Wales in November 2023.
Insp David Littlefair told a meeting of the Labour-led council's scrutiny committee that Darlington was a "key location", saying: "Preventative measures to stop it from being purchased in the first place needs to be done."
Its use soared during the pandemic, becoming one of the most-abused substances, especially by 16 to 24-year-olds.
The commitment came amid concerns from Labour councillor David Beckett, ward member for Brinkburn and Faverdale, over the increased usage of the psychoactive drug in the area, including Faverdale Industrial Estate.
At the meeting on Thursday, Beckett said it was "easy to acquire on the internet".
'Huge boxes' seized
In response, Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: "That is a key location we will be targeting with road policing and the teams in Darlington."
"We will look into the use and purchase of nitrous oxide," Littlefair said.
"That is a priority with licensing."
He said the force had recently seized "huge boxes" of the canisters, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"We are alive to this problem and make our utmost efforts to take positive action in relation to this issue," Littlefair said.
Those caught with nitrous oxide for unlawful use face a caution, community service or an unlimited fine.
Medical use is unaffected, and it can still be purchased as a propellant gas for whipped cream and other industrial purposes.
