Police find 55 laughing gas canisters in an hour
Carlisle PolicePolice have issued a warning after officers found more than 50 laughing gas canisters in under an hour.
Fifty-five canisters containing nitrous oxide were found on the Raffles estate in Carlisle, Cumbria, on Monday afternoon, Cumbria Police said.
Officers from the Carlisle neighbourhood policing team visited the area after concerns were raised about the use of the gas.
The government made the possession of nitrous oxide a criminal offence in England and Wales last year, as part of plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The force said: "The inhalation of the nitrous oxide can have serious health consequences and can even kill if misused in such a way, especially behind the wheel.
"Hopefully there will be some new year's resolutions to quit using these canisters or people will be visiting a custody cell in time to see in 2026."
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is inhaled and is commonly used as a painkiller in medicine and dentistry.
Its use soared during the pandemic, becoming one of the most abused substances, especially by 16 to 24-year-olds.
