VSA Headlines - December 2020

Using data from the Crime Survey of England and Wales, this month the ONS published their annual report Drug misuse in England and Wales for the year ending March 2020.

"Overall drug use continued to remain stable, with around 1 in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 years having taken a drug in the past year. However, there were differences between age groups. Drug use was much more common among younger adults although, again, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds taking drugs was similar to the previous year."

In terms of the volatile substance, nitrous oxide, specifically:

"In the last year, 2.4% of adults aged 16 to 59 years and 8.7% of 16- to 24-year-olds had used nitrous oxide, this is equivalent to around 796,000 and 549,000 individuals respectively. This made it the second most prevalent drug among young adults aged 16 to 24 years (after cannabis) and the third most prevalent for adults aged 16 to 59 years (after cannabis and powder cocaine).

"Similar to NPS, the use of nitrous oxide was particularly high for young adults and the prevalence rate was more than three times higher than the wider 16 to 59 years age group. While the level of nitrous oxide increased compared with year ending March 2013 for both age groups, use has remained at the same level for the previous four years." Read the full report here. 

The research no longer includes other volatile substances. 

Other headlines from around the world this month include:

UK

Drug seizures up more than a third in Suffolk: ... the number of seizures of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and new psychoactive substances (synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of other illegal substances) almost doubled from 84 total seizures, which included 15 nitrous oxide doses and 191 of other new psychoactive substances, to 162 total seizures, including 108 nitrous oxide doses and 301 of other new psychoactive substances.

Shops raided in crackdown on sale of illicit tobacco and hippie crack: The crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco and hippie crack continued this week [in Bolton] as more shops were raised.

Here's how to report nitrous oxide canisters in Dudley borough - as problem surges: A safety campaign has been launched encouraging people to report nitrous oxide canisters after a rise in use of the dangerous substance across the Dudley borough.

Sheffield teens are taking ‘cheap’ and ‘accessible’ substance with potentially fatal consequences: Young thrill seekers in Sheffield are turning to a ‘legal’ drug for a short buzz – but how damaging can it be for both users and the environment?

Laughing gas is now almost as popular as cannabis – but drug use isn’t the real problem: Drug use doesn’t cause too many problems for individuals beyond the usual embarrassing moment while under the influence – the main threat lies in our outdated policies.

The laughing gas killers: Chilling final moments of student, 21, as he's knifed to death in random attack by gang who walk away inhaling balloons filled with nitrous oxide - as thugs are jailed for total of 51 years.

Former Charlton ace Madelene Wright admits ‘mistakes’ after being filmed ‘inhaling from balloon’: Following the incident, Charlton Athletic later confirmed Wright’s registration had been cancelled and she would no longer play for the club.

Other reports on nitrous oxide use and littering came from Buckinghamshire, Coventry, Hertfordshire, Liverpool and Worcestershire. 

BELGIUM

Lockdown ‘nightclub’ closed down in Brussels warehouse: Around 100 people were reportedly present at the event in Laeken, which included a disco, a shisha bar, nitrous oxide and alcohol, and a shuttle service had even been organized to take the participants to the party.

RUSSIA

Blow for balloon-abusing Russian party animals as Putin bans sale of laughing gas & reintroduces drunk tanks to sober up revelers: Partygoers and recreational drug users won’t be laughing any more, after Russia adopted new measures banning widely-abused nitrous oxide gas. 

USA

Trouble may be brewing in response to D.A.'s reforms (CA): A former Los Angeles County prosecutor -- who now represents the family of a man killed in a crash by a driver allegedly under the influence of nitrous oxide -- is fighting moves by Gascon to drop great bodily injury allegations in that case and at least one other.

Manitowoc woman arrested after huffing keyboard cleaner (WI): A Manitowoc woman was arrested on Monday after she was found unconscious and twitching in a vehicle.

Man charged with 5th DUI after crashing mother's care into mailboxes (TN): [He] was charged with ... when he crashed his mother’s vehicle into a wooden pole and admitted to huffing Dust-Off compressed air.

Utah man charged with trying to kill his grandparents after huffing canned air (UT): A Utah man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted his grandparents while high on fumes from canned air.

GUAM

Man, accused of violence when he sniffs butane, arrested in Yigo attack: A man has been arrested after he allegedly attacked two boys known to him.

PHILIPPINES

Ex-street dweller spreads kindness: ... Poverty, he said, forced him to beg. Sniffing from a plastic bag containing solvent was his way to forget he had an empty stomach.

CHINA

China needs to get serious about the growing abuse of laughing gas, experts say: Chinese experts have called on the country to step up control of the production and sale of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, amid signs that an increasing number of people are recreationally abusing the common industrial and medical substance.

FIJI

President lays out legislative agenda for 2021: [including] the Volatile Substances Abuse Control Bill. 

AUSTRALIA

Fitzroy Crossing in crisis: Fitzroy Crossing communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley region are in crisis, facing a lack of social and support services to curb the use of volatile substances by children in community.

Natasha Fyles defends Health Department response to damning coronial findings — and other findings before it: The Northern Territory Health Minister has disputed a coronial finding that inaction by health authorities contributed to the deaths of three young people in remote Indigenous communities, while defending herself for not yet reading the damning findings in full.

Opal fuel back in Doomadgee as petrol sniffing fears increase: The Indigenous shire of Doomadgee, in north west Queensland, is in the process of swapping from unleaded fuel to a low aromatic variety designed so it cannot be sniffed to get high.

VSA Headlines - November 2020

Public Health England have published the latest NDTMS data for Substance misuse treatment for adults: statistics 2019 to 2020. This reports that 309 adults are currently in treatment services for "solvent" use. The figure in 2018-19 was 314.

The ESPAD Report 2019 — Results from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs was also published this month. Headline data relating to VSA was as follows (p15):-

"Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 7.2 % of the students, with large differences between countries. The countries with the highest proportions of students who had tried inhalants were Latvia (16 %), Germany and Croatia (15 % each). The lowest rate was found in Kosovo (0.5 %). No gender differences were observed. The trend in the use of inhalants shows a steady increase until 2011, with a decrease observed thereafter. The gender-specific curves from 1995 to 2019 reveal a progressive narrowing of the gender gap, which has disappeared since 2011."

The UK did not contribute data to this latest report. 

Other headlines this month include:

UK

Inquest into death of Stonesfield painter in 'sexual experiment gone wrong': An inquest into the 64-year-old’s death took place at Oxford Coroners’ Court, where the cause was given as asphyxia associated with inhalation of butane gas.

'Paranoid' man subjected his girlfriend to prolonged attack at their home in Leeds after inhaling butane gas: A man subjected his partner to a prolonged violent attack at their home in Leeds during a paranoid state after becoming addicted to inhaling butane gas.

Leicester man who filmed himself raping girl jailed: Meeting later in a park, he bought alcohol and nitrous oxide for the girl and a friend and took them back to his flat.

Butane gas causes maisonette fire in Tottenham: Fire crews battled for more than an hour to subdue a maisonette fire caused by 'misused' butane gas in Tottenham.

Drug dealer ran 'Party Supplies' enterprise selling nitrous oxide across Newcastle: [He] was caught with MDMA and police intercepted a delivery of 6,000 canisters of laughing gas to his property.

Stash of laughing gas, cash, balloons and a knife seized: Two men have been arrested after police stopped a car in Radcliffe Road, Southampton.

Suspected drug dealer quizzed after dramatic raid at Grays home: Officers searched the home in Grays and seized class A and B drugs, and nitrous oxide cannisters.

Police update after laughing gas canisters seized in Prescot: A man who was arrested by police after officers seized 384 laughing gas canisters from a vehicle in Prescot has been released under investigation.

Thousands of illegal cigarettes and 'laughing gas' canisters seized in Bolton raids: In one visit to a shop in Breightmet, more than 4,500 “laughing gas” canisters were found.

Nitrous oxide cannisters found by police in Gillingham after car stopped in Lower Rainham Road: Officers searched the vehicle and discovered 2,000 nitrous oxide cannisters, a knife and drugs paraphernalia.

Halifax Attacks – Students Found Themselves Under Siege: A graphic video filmed from Wood Court showed t[a group of young men] attempting to break down one flat’s door on Friday, having allegedly set their fire alarm off and attempted to force entry after asking for the drug nitrous oxide, commonly known as “balloons”.

More campaigns in the works around the dangers of laughing gas: St Helens Borough Council will continue its efforts to tackle the use of laughing gas, with future campaigns targeted at over 18s.

Other stories relating to nitrous oxide were reported in Lancashire, Leicestershire, South Essex, Worcester, and Wrexham.

USA

Fugitive who blames glue sniffing for sex crimes gets prison time (NY): [He] pleaded guilty in Schenectady County court to one count of first-degree sexual conduct against a child, blamed mental health issues and sniffing glue for his behavior during sentencing.

Mother to share personal story about son's hazing death in TED talk tonight: [Her son] died after ingesting nitrous oxide in a fraternity hazing case. See the talk here. 

Owners of businesses tied to DTLA explosion strike plea deals (CA): In a report released earlier this year, the Fire Department determined the “excessive quantity” of nitrous oxide and butane containers inside Smoke Tokes fueled the fire.

OVI suspect huffs aerosol can in front of officers (OH): Officers recovered four aerosol cans from the passenger compartment. They arrested the man for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Casper man arrested after huffing spray paint, ‘dancing’ in strangers’ yard (WY): According to the affidavit, [he] showed several signs of being severely intoxicated including fidgety behavior, incoherent speech and thoughts, an inability to stand without falling and falling asleep while standing.

Whippets, whip-its, or laughing gas: The drug UT students are inhaling (FL): “When I take whippets, it feels like a headrush,” said David, a 21-year-old UT senior who requested to remain anonymous under the name David. “Feels like the world stops in that moment.”

KENYA

The baby stealers: Somewhere, Rebecca's son is 10. He could be in Nairobi, where she lives, or he could be somewhere else. He could, she knows in her heart, be dead. The last time she saw him, Lawrence Josiah, her firstborn son, he was one. She was 16. It was about 2am one night in March 2011 and Rebecca was drowsy from sniffing a handkerchief doused in jet fuel — a cheap high on the city's streets. She sniffed jet fuel because it gave her the confidence to go up to strangers and beg. 

TAIWAN

Nitrous oxide added to controlled substances list: Stink tactics: To deter recreational use of laughing gas, the government would require producers to add sulfur dioxide to orders for some clients, the EPA said.

FIJI

COVID-19: A woman aged 19 with two girls aged 17 and 14 years were found sniffing glues during curfew hours.

3 men and 2 juveniles allegedly found sniffing glue during curfew hours: Police have arrested three men in their 20s and two juveniles who were allegedly found sniffing glue in a parked bus. 

AUSTRALIA

BP pledge to deliver no-sniff petrol: BP has pledged to secure a supply of non-sniffable petrol in vulnerable remote communities despite plans to close the refinery responsible for producing the fuel.

High noon for 'nangs' as Labor moves to regulate sale in WA: The sale of nitrous oxide in small silver bulbs – often misused as a party drug and commonly referred to as "nangs" – could soon be regulated in WA.

VSA Headlines - October 2020

This month the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its annual report on deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales. “The number of deaths due to drug poisoning registered in 2019 remains at a similar level to 2018*. Almost half of all drug related deaths involved opiates such as heroin and morphine. However, cocaine deaths rose for the eighth consecutive year to their highest level." 

* 4,393 deaths registered in 2019 and 4,359 registered deaths in 2018.

Data on deaths related to volatile substance abuse (VSA) are not included in the report. The latest data can be found in the ONS report, Deaths related to volatile substances and helium in Great Britain: 2001 to 2016 registrations.

Other headlines this month include:

UK

Butane sniffer jailed for under age sex with girl: [He] met the girl in the centre of Barnstaple where they started using the gas.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas 'can cause paralysis', warns Wales' top doctor: Laughing gas is "not just a bit of harmless fun" and can cause paralysis, Wales' chief medical officer has warned.

Gang who stole canisters from hospitals at start of lockdown due in court: The sentencing of four men in a Norfolk-based gang who stole canisters containing pain-relieving gas from hospitals at the start of the coronavirus lockdown is due to take place today.

Basingstoke man arrested on suspicion of dealing nitrous oxide: The 32-year-old man is suspected of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of the psychoactive substance nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

Man arrested and 20,000 canisters of Nitrous Oxide seized after police raid in Fallowfield: Inhaling the colourless gas via balloons has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Knuckle duster, hammer and drugs seized as police step up anti-social behaviour patrols across Preston: A quantity of class A and class B drugs were seized, along with a large quantity of nitrous oxide canisters.

Nitrous Oxide awareness campaign coming to local schools: Tamworth Borough Council and Tamworth Police are reaching out to local schools to join an awareness campaign about the increasing use of a recreational drug, Nitrous Oxide (N2O or Laughing Gas).

Labour councillor calls for more to be done to tackle laughing gas: St Helens Borough Council also launched its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign in the summer to raise awareness of the dangers of using the drug.

MP Robert Buckland issues stark warning after nitrous oxide canisters are found on the streets: He spoke out after canisters were found on the streets and at beauty spots in and around Swindon.

Fears over laughing gas canisters found around Fife: A Cupar councillor has voiced concerns over an increasing amount of disposed nitrous oxide canisters found around Fife.

Authorities 'making too much' of Nitrous Oxide abuse, [Leeds] Councillor claims: ... “Would we even be aware of the problem if it wasn’t for the little canisters that are left?"

Spelthorne Borough Council demands stricter fines for sellers of laughing gas: However, some councillors believe the war on drugs is lost and they should be legalised.

Booze and laughing gas could be banned in Bromley parks: The measures to curb perceived anti-social behaviour are just some being considered in a wide-ranging consultation launched by Bromley Council, for which it is currently encouraging public feedback on.

Other warnings about the use of nitrous oxide also came from Bishop Auckland and Somerset. Concerns regarding littering relating to nitrous oxide also came from Wiltshire. 

IRELAND

Local drugs taskforce warns about dangers of 'laughing gas'.

USA

20-year-old driver allegedly huffing aerosol cans kills urgent care worker (MO): A Missouri man was allegedly huffing inhalants when he lost control of his SUV and fatally mowed down an urgent care worker in front of the clinic, authorities said.

Man inhales gas duster in Rally’s drive-thru line (OH): Rally’s workers saw the man “huff” the gas duster several times while waiting in the line. Then he passed out in the driver’s seat of a minivan. His vehicle was still running.

Nitrous Oxide Seller Whip-It! to Pay $50K for Not Warning Minors, SD DA Says (CA): A $50,000 civil judgment was announced Wednesday against a nitrous oxide distributor for failing to verify its products were not sold to minors and failing to provide state-mandated health and safety warnings, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

BRAZIL

Teen dies after inhaling deodorant gas during challenge: A 12-year-old teenager died after participating in the “deodorant challenge” on Tuesday in Aracaju, in Sergipe.

INDIA

Substance abuse & how to tackle it among youngsters: According to the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), approximately ... 1.18 crore people use sedatives and inhalants and about 4.6 lakh children and 18 lakh adults need help as a result of inhalant use.

TAIWAN

Taoyuan to crack down on misuse of laughing gas: The Taoyuan City Government has drafted a regulation to prevent the inappropriate use of certain gases, especially laughing gas, the Department of Public Health said yesterday.

Taiwan includes medicinal nitrous oxide in Trace & Track system: In order to manage the distribution of medicinal nitrous oxide and prevent it from being used for recreational purposes, the medicinal nitrous oxide has been included in the trace and track system of medicinal products according to Pharmaceutical Affairs Act since October 1st, 2020.

JAPAN

3 Japan teens allegedly inhaling gas nabbed over apartment fire after explosion: Three teenagers in Fukuoka Prefecture were arrested on Oct. 27 on suspicion of causing a fire after gas from portable cylinders they were inhaling exploded when they lit a cigarette at an apartment.

AUSTRALIA

Inquest into deaths of Territory children known to sniff solvents, skip school: The family of a 12-year-old boy was told he was "too young" for rehabilitation three times in the year leading up to his death from petrol sniffing, the Northern Territory coroner's court has heard.

NT petrol sniffing inquest hears impassioned pleas for truth on last full day of evidence: The family of a 17-year-old girl who died by suicide five years after she began petrol sniffing say her loss to them is unimaginable.

NT mental health boss agrees he didn't 'understand' legal obligations, inquest hears: Three NT children known to sniff petrol were denied adequate treatment because health staff, even at the top level, didn't "understand" their legal obligations — repeating the same mistakes raised during a 2017 inquest, a court has heard.

NT coroner told 'indifference' from health department 'may have resulted' in youth petrol sniffing deaths: The Northern Territory coroner has heard recommendations made three years ago appear to have had "absolutely no influence" on health authorities dealing with petrol sniffing, and their "indifference" may have resulted in the deaths of more young people.

NT Government departments vow to help vulnerable children as petrol sniffing inquest continues: Government department heads in the NT have repeated promises to retrain staff, improve their record-keeping and coordinate support for children who sniff solvents.

NEW ZEALAND

Teen died accidentally while experimenting with huffing butane: [The] Christchurch teen died accidentally from huffing. A coroner and his family want to warn others of the dangers of using butane. 

VSA Headlines - September 2020

Re-Solv's Dan Gibbons participated in an interview about Nitrous Oxide with the MP Rosie Duffield on Times Radio on 31st August. Re-Solv's short informational video about nitrous oxide can be viewed here. 

UK

Death of 'talented and adored' 18-year-old possibly linked to nitrous oxide: The death of a talented and adored son and brother was “most likely” related to drug use, an inquest heard. Mum calls for campaign to highlight dangers of nitrous oxide.

Butane-sniffing driver jailed for high speed crash which killed mum-of-two: A solvent sniffing driver has been jailed for killing a woman passenger in a high-speed head-on crash on a country road.

Addict jailed for Camelon flats gas incident: A heroin addict whose usual drug deliveries were disrupted by coronavirus risked blowing up a block of flats when he tried to instead sniff household gas.

Tens of thousands of ‘laughing gas’ cartridges seized at Suffolk port: The shipment had been bound for a wholesale company based in Rutland, in the East Midlands, which was given notice of the hearing and chose not to contest the application.

Police discover 6,000 nitrous oxide cannisters in boot of M6 crash car: Police arrested a man on suspicion of supplying drugs then discovered 15,000 more nitrous oxide canisters in Birmingham storage unit.

Secret auction keeps millions of whipped cream chargers off the streets: The nitrous oxide 'laughing gas' which fuels the canisters is now in demand as a street drug and can be deadly.

Hospital gas canister raiders to be sentenced: The gang stole canisters containing nitrous oxide from Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Willington Hospital in Manchester, Chester-le-Street Community Hospital and hospitals in Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

Driver seen inhaling suspected 'hippy crack' from a balloon while behind the wheel on a busy road: The motorist who filmed the scene suspects the balloons may have contained nitrous oxide - also known as ‘hippy crack’.

Police seize knuckle duster and gas cannisters in West Bromwich arrest: West Midlands Police say he was also in possession of nitrous oxide canisters, where were also seized.

Warning signs across Rotherham over 'legal' but dangerous 'laughing gas' craze: Now Rotherham Council is to erect signs across the borough warning of the potential consequences of misusing the substance.

Crackdown on deadly 'party drug' in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley: Safer Wyre Forest's N 2 Othing to Laugh About campaign is looking to stop dangerous nitrous oxide use in the area.

No laughing matter: Deadly ‘hippy crack’ craze sweeps Scotland as teens seek ‘quick lockdown highs’ with canisters dumped in parks & beaches.

Nitrous oxide continues to be in the news with warnings about use coming from Barrow, Cambridgeshire, Leeds, Oswestry, Nottinghamshire, and Sefton.

Concerns regarding antisocial behaviour and/or littering relating to nitrous oxide came from Bury, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lichfield, Market Harborough and Richmondshire.

Southampton restaurant Iroko Lounge is shut for 2 months for 'worst' Covid-19 breach in Hampshire: Hundreds of nitrous oxide canisters were also found on the floor.

John Bishop: Jack Whitehall once paid me for a gig in laughing gas.

‘It was poor judgement’: Man Utd star Greenwood apologises for inhaling laughing gas.

Love Island fans spot ‘hippy crack’ laughing gas canisters in Molly Mae and Tommy Fury’s flat during night in with Maura: Fans flooded the comments to point it out.

GIBRALTAR

Importation of products containing nitrous oxide restricted; GSD calls for further legislation: GSD MP Elliott Phillips called on the Government to review legislation on nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as laughing gas, amid concerns the drug is being misused.

IRELAND

Deadly laughing gas ‘imported by Eastern European criminal gangs’: Eastern European crime gangs are suspected of the mass-importation of 'laughing gas' canisters being sold on Irish streets for as little as €1, and which have been linked to the deaths of at least two teenagers.

Risk of nitrous oxide use: Dr Elizabeth Ogunjimi, Psychiatry Registrar at the HSE Youth Drug and Alcohol Service, highlights the risks — including of death — associated with the use of nitrous oxide, also known ‘laughing gas’ or ‘hippie crack’.

One in four drug users at festivals now get high on laughing gas - TD: Legislation must be introduced to limit the sale of nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’, Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins has said.

'Shameful Oliver Bond rave highlights need for crackdown on nitrous oxide 'laughing gas' says TD: Empty cannisters of the drug - known as 'hippy crack' and 'laughing gas' littered the children's play area of the flats in the aftermath of all-night street party that left fearful residents 'too scared to even look out their windows'.

FRANCE

France may ban 'laughing gas' sale to minors as usage grows: France may soon ban the sale of nitrous oxide capsules - known as “laughing gas” - to minors, as national health body Anses launches a study into the chemical’s increased use and possible neurological side effects.

USA

Plea hearing set for driver in fatal 2019 ‘huffing’ crash (WI): A plea hearing is scheduled to be held next month for the 37-year-old Wausau man accused of causing a fatal crash last year.

Man In Custody After Huffing Aerosol Chemicals, Ramming Car Into Police Car (OK): A suspect was arrested late Tuesday night after huffing aerosol chemicals and ramming his car into a police cruiser during a standoff in Northwest Oklahoma City. 

Naples woman arrested after smashing into EMS truck, inhaling aerosol, deputies say (FL): Deputies arrested a Naples woman after she was allegedly driving under the influence.

A driver was arrested for allegedly pulling a 'Dukes of Hazzard' stunt by jumping over a rising drawbridge (MI): Police told WDIV they suspect the driver was under the influence of "whippets," or canisters of nitrous oxide sometimes used as inhalants.

Mother and son huffing air dusters arrested after hit-and-run crash (WI): A 57-year-old Manitowoc woman and her 34-year-old son were arrested Wednesday afternoon after police suspect they were involved in a hit-and-run crash in which someone was hurt and also suspect they were huffing air duster cans.

Detroit's Whippit Problem: 25k Nitrous Cartridges Found Across Two Zip Codes (MI): Nitrous oxide use is a growing problem in Southwest Detroit, where volunteers say they've found nearly 25,000 whippit cartridges in less than a month of cleanup.

INDIA

Street children high on drugs need swift rehabilitation in pandemic time: In the second month of the lockdown, three minors barely in their teens fled from a quanrantine centre in search of intoxicants after seized with severe drug withdrawal symptoms.

BANGLADESH

Steps needed to curb rising juvenile delinquency in Chittagong: Akbarshah police station OC Mostafizur Rahman said that some homeless teenagers, after becoming addicted to sniffing glue, have taken to mugging to meet their addiction needs.

CHINA

Chen, J., Huang, Y., Chen, H. et al. Nitrite inhalants use, sexual behaviors and HIV/syphilis infection among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China. Infect Dis Poverty 9, 127 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-020-00748-6.

FIJI

Sodelpa MP, Adi Litia, says that according to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, 1,634 cases of drugs and substance abuse in schools was recorded in 2019 and this was an increase in 16% compared to 1,058 cases in 2018 ... National Substance Abuse Advisory Council records in 2018 were alarming as 118 cases of marijuana possession, 11 cases of drug dealing, 95 cases of homebrew, 301 cases of glue-sniffing were recorded in schools.

VSA Headlines - August 2020

UK

17-year-old died after taking laughing gas, inquest hears: A mother has been left “heartbroken” after her teenage son died after inhaling laughing gas, an inquest heard.

Cornwall teenager died after laughing gas experiment went wrong: [He] was only 19 years old when he tragically died.

Carlisle man admits criminal damage: ... [The defence] told the court his client has got through drug and alcohol abuse and suffers from anxiety, at his lowest point he was involved solvent abuse, but is slowly getting his life back together. 

Four Britons drive their car into an Amsterdam canal 'after inhaling hippy crack' - before stunned locals dive in to rescue them.

Show-off BMW driver who inhaled laughing gas at wheel left two passengers injured after high-speed crash on Hanley road: [The 25-year-old] lost control when speeding on Potteries Way (Stoke-on-Trent) in early hours of morning.

Two teenagers arrested after police find nitrous oxide canisters in Leeds city centre drugs bust: Officers were on patrol on Saturday, July 25 when they stopped a suspicious vehicle in the city centre.

VW Golf caught on camera littering nitrous oxide slapped with fine: A VW Golf was caught on CCTV leaving Middlesbrough town centre surrounded by nitrous oxide canisters and food packaging.

Shops hand over 1,904 nitrous oxide canisters after investigation reveals they were sold to young people: Hundreds of 'laughing gas' canisters have been removed from two shops in Bolton after an investigation revealed they were being sold to young people.

Four Arrested for Selling Cannabis from CBD Shops in Croydon: Police officers seized a large quantity of cannabis, nitrous oxide canisters and £20,000 in cash following a raid at three CBD shops yesterday.

Police seize 60,000 cans of nitrous oxide 'laughing gas' after south London car stop: Around 60,000 canisters of nitrous oxide “laughing gas” were seized after police pulled over a car in south London.

The Laughing-Gas Wars of London: When the sun is out and everything is closed, what is there to do but go to the park? 

MP calls for tougher stance on laughing gas: Robbie Moore is asking the government to tighten up on regulating Nitrous Oxide cannisters, which people use to get high.

Taskforce set up to investigate growing laughing gas abuse problem on Teesside: Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel last month to ask what work is being done to stop its illegal sale and abuse.

Tackling 'hippy crack' - policing chief sets up new action group to deal with laughing gas misuse: A new multi-agency action group has been formed to tackle growing concerns around the use of laughing gas.

No laughing matter: Call for action over nitrous oxide dangers: Fears have been raised about the increasing numbers of young people using "life-threatening" nitrous oxide across the Black Country and Staffordshire.

Fines for people inhaling laughing gas and 'nuisance' off-road bikers extended in Coventry: Councillors were told extending a PSPO isn't a "silver bullet" but part of a toolkit to tackle nuisance behaviour.

'Lockdown frustration' blamed for spike in nitrous oxide use in Berkshire: There's been an 'explosion' in drug taking in parks and public areas across the county.

Josh Denzel's girlfriend Ruby Wong films 'hippy crack' on table at Ibiza party: Love Island's Josh Denzel and his new girlfriend Ruby Wong partied at their Ibiza villa with some pals, and the model shared footage of hippy crack canisters and deflated balloons scattered across a table.

Nitrous oxide continues to be in the news with warnings about use coming from Derby, Forth Valley, Hertfordshire, Newcastle, Sunderland and Wigan.

Complaints concerning antisocial behaviour and/or littering relating to nitrous oxide came from Cardiff, Cheshire, Coventry, Cumbria, Derby, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Norfolk, Surrey, Windsor & Maidenhead and Somerset.

Poppers

Priti Patel is decriminalising poppers once and for all: Did our infamously anti-LGBT Home Secretary just say gay rights?

IRELAND

Gardaí unable to provide figures on 'laughing gas' arrests and seizures due to IT limitations: The issue was flagged in a parliamentary question requesting statistics on seizures of the drug.

Co Kildare TD urging parents and children to be aware of dangerous laughing gas: TD and Dr Cathal Berry said: "Taking nitrous oxide poses the risk of falling unconscious and or suffocating from lack of oxygen."

SPAIN

Who’s laughing now? Dealer selling laughing gas on streets of Spain’s Costa del Sol is busted by police: A 22-year-old Romanian dealer on the streets of Spain’s Costa del Sol was busted by police selling canisters of laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, to drunk tourists.

NETHERLANDS

Driver using laughing gas tried to ram cop car in wild chase: "They took the suspect out of the car while he was still sucking a laughing gas balloon," police said in a statement.

USA

Former OU Sigma Pi members plead guilty to multiple charges in death of [fellow student]: A coroner ruled [he] died of asphyxiation due to nitrous oxide ingestion.

Manitowoc man attacks his mother after huffing (WI): A Manitowoc man was arrested yesterday after he allegedly attacked his mother while high.

State senate passes Addabbo bill banning whip-it sales to kids (NY): The state senate has passed legislation that would ban the sale of nitrous oxide-filled whipped cream chargers to anyone under 21.

Hundreds of ‘whippit’ canisters left at Riverside Skatepark (MI): Residents voice concern.

BANGLADESH

Teen muggers prowl Chittagong flyovers: “Two cases have been lodged in connection to mugging on flyovers. The teen muggers are addicted to sniffing glue,” the OC said. 

TAIWAN

Doctor warns on dangers of laughing gas: While the recreational use of the anesthetic poses great dangers, diseases such as melioidosis are often overlooked by doctors.

FIJI

Police to address shortfalls in service delivery in Nausori after concerns about prostitution, drugs and glue sniffing: In response to questions by Fijivillage, Police say they assure the public that they are taking the necessary actions to ensure these issues are addressed swiftly.

AUSTRALIA

New exhibition gives voice to narratives of Indigenous Australians: ‘The Indigenous voice speaks through quotation, in language and in English, in print and multimedia, peppered liberally with black humour,’ Ms Neale said. Other poignant objects include a soft drink can modified for petrol sniffing, with an accompanying 1984 painting, Sad Boys Are Sniffing, by Vanessa Nampitjinpa Brown.

NEW ZEALAND

Investigation into sales of laughing gas which could breach Medicines Act: A rapid increase in sales of laughing gas online and at vape stores is under investigation by MedSafe.

VSA Headlines - July 2020

Labour MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield, tabled a debate on Tuesday 21st July to push for reforms to restrict sales of nitrous oxide. In an article for The House, Rosie Duffield explained: "I am calling for a review into the classification of Nitrous Oxide and fast action on how the sale can be further restricted to professional catering and medical consumers." The debate can be found here in Hansard. 

The British Compressed Gases Association published a press release calling for an "outright retail ban of Nitrous Oxide."

However, a Parliamentary Briefing prepared by DrugScience, The Global Drug Survey, Release and Transform Drug Policy Foundation argued that: "Policy responses should not be focused on tighter regulations or criminalisation of users as this has the potential to create greater harms for young people" and that "effective harm reduction information to reduce the potential risks to users is the answer."

The issue was covered by the BBC, Sky News and national newspapers, with stories in the Daily Express, Guardian, Independent, and Sun. Vice News also carried a feature, having spoken to a number of recreational Nos users on an online safer drug use forum.

Headlines this month include:

UK

Nitrous Oxide

A Stop nitrous oxide (N2O / laughing gas) abuse in our communities petition calls on the government to investigate better controls of its sale/access, educate the public on the dangers of N2O abuse and make it an offence to inhale nitrous oxide for recreational purposes. 

MP writes to Home Secretary Priti Patel over laughing gas concerns: Simon Clarke's letter comes as Middlesbrough Councillor Jon Rathmell called for local politicians to 'step up' in tackling the problem.

Rising use of nitrous oxide is no laughing matter, say MPs: Responding to [MP for Bolton North East] Mark Logan's calls for the Government to look at how to end the matter, Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said he understood the seriousness of the issue and that MPs will debate the matter on Tuesday July 21.

RPS aims to push nitrous oxide misuse issue into Parliament: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is working with the parliamentarians in bid to end the misuse of nitrous oxide.

BBC interviews with Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Chief Scientist Gino Martini and mother, Leesa Davies, who lost her son to nitrous oxide. Radio 2's Jeremy Vine also explored the issue on 6th July. 

Nothing to joke about: The ‘hippy crack’ laughing gas epidemic with deadly potential that’s gripping the UK.

'Hippy crack' now the trendy drug of choice for Britain's post-lockdown teens: ... But unlike teenagers from a previous generation she doesn’t smoke, and only drinks occasionally. Instead, she is a frequent user of nitrous oxide – or laughing gas – which she and her friends inhale from balloons. She has been since she was 15.

‘It’s like Russian roulette’: Fife councillor who lost son to solvent abuse calls for action over latest craze: A Fife councillor whose son died from solvent abuse is calling for more restrictions to be put on the sale of nitrous oxide canisters.

Dangers of 'laughing gas' exposed in new safety campaign: A safety campaign warning of the danger of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, has been launched in the Dudley borough.

New campaign in Doncaster warns about dangers of party drug 'laughing gas': A new campaign is underway in Doncaster to educate young people about the risks of using the psychoactive drug nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas or NOs. More information here.

Community centres mapping use of Nitrous Oxide in Bradford: Criminal justice workers have stepped up their campaign to re-categorise a legal high and stop young people from falling into addictions that "spiral out of control".

Bored youngsters have turned to using 'hippy crack' fear council bosses: As a result, the Nuneaton and Bedworth Safer Communities Partnership (NABSCOP) is working with Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and Compass to raise awareness around the risks of using nitrous oxide.

Calls for greater education on dangers of Nitrous Oxide after surge in use by young people: A Norwich drug and alcohol charity has called for there to be more education around the dangers of nitrous oxide, following the growing trend in the numbers of young people using it as a recreational drug.

Leeds Council urged to help rid communities of 'laughing gas' and explain dangers of nitrous oxide: Leeds city council has been urged to do more to help rid communities of ‘laughing gas’.

Sudbury councillor calls for stricter rules on sales of nitrous oxide after reports of drug use in town: Voicing concern over the increasing misuse of the substance, town councillor Steve Hall said: “It was disappointing to see evidence, again, that widespread usage of inhaling nitrous oxide is still taking place in Sudbury.”

Police warnings about the use of nitrous oxide were also issued in Cheshire, Coventry, East Lancashire, Essex, North Tyneside, North Yorkshire, Sheffield, Wiltshire, and Worcester / Worcestershire.

Complaints about behaviour and/or the littering of nitrous oxide canisters were reported in Bristol, Cardiff,  Devon, Doncaster, Fife, Hartlepool, Hereford, Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Manchester, Newport, North Yorkshire, Portsmouth, Somerset and Wigan. 

Musselburgh girl injured after being 'mown down' by laughing gas teen with car full of drugs: An 18 year old man has been charged following the alleged incident on Wednesday.

Medics fear man's stomach will explode after he swallows laughing gas canister: [He] was rushed to hospital by his friends after he swallowed a laughing gas cannister whole as a bet, only to send baffled doctors scrambling for a bovine case study.

Illegal cigarettes worth £3,000 and 160 boxes of 'hippy crack' seized in Gloucester: Nitrous oxide is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act and is illegal to supply - it could lead to up to seven years in jail and an unlimited fine.

Huge raid on Sefton Park flats as police find laughing gas and 'Batman' drugs: A stash of cannabis, MDMA and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) were seized by police during a raid of a flat by Sefton Park.

Men in pre-lockdown hospital raids spree due back in court this month: A case involving Norfolk men who were part of a gang that broke into hospitals during the coronavirus crisis to steal gas canisters is back in court this month. 

Catering supplier to Bake Off, Masterchef and Saturday Kitchen has to turn down dozens of suspicious orders for nitrous oxide as 'hippy crack' becomes big business: A catering supplier whose customers include TV cooking shows such as Bake Off, MasterChef and Saturday Kitchen has been refusing orders for the laughing gas nitrous oxide.

Campdesuner V, Teklie Y, Alkayali T, et al. (July 09, 2020) Nitrous Oxide-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency Resulting in Myelopathy. Cureus 12(7): e9088. doi:10.7759/cureus.9088

Butane Gas

Butane gas addict jailed for ISIS bomb threat that triggered huge evacuation: Hundreds of workers were evacuated from Magdalen House after Jim Evans made two hoax calls.

Gas-sniffing thief pulled knife on Dundee shop staff after being caught stealing crème eggs: “The accused appeared to be sniffing gas from a hidden can up his sleeve. The witness asked him to remove whatever he had and a knife fell out which he threw under a nearby table.”

Poppers

'TERRIBLE TRAGEDY': Arbroath woman dies after downing whole bottle of legal high poppers XL Gold sold as sex stimulant.

IRELAND

'Just say no' - heartbroken father whose son died from laughing gas warns others to stay away from 'lethal' drug: The heartbroken father of a teenage boy who died after ingesting nitrous oxide, otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’, has urged teenagers to stay away from the ‘lethal’ drug.

Nitrous Oxide: “He went out to get his hair cut and he never came home.”: “Unfortunately on his way back, he met some of his friends and they went off and done whatever they were doing. So, from what I hear from his friends, they were going at these nitrous oxide cannisters and unfortunately, whatever happened, [my son] passed away then a short while later.” 

Laughing gas recognised on HSE website after drug associated with death of teenager at Tallaght lockdown party: The news was welcomed by Sinn Fein Deputy Mark Ward, left, who has highlighted a surge in the number of discarded canisters of the drug in Dublin Mid-West.

Garda warning over laughing gas 'nagging' craze among teenagers: In January of this year, The HSE warned young people of the risks associated with using Nitrous Oxide 'laughing gas' due to an increase in use within communities.

‘Drug craze’: Use of laughing gas by under-18s should be banned: Google ‘profiting’ from sale of nitrous oxide, which causes paralysis and death, says Emer Higgins.

NETHERLANDS

No further decrease in alcohol, drug use among school kids; laughing gas use on the rise: After years of decline, the use of “traditional” substances like tobacco, alcohol and cannabis among school children stabilized last year, while the use of “new temptations” like laughing gas and non-alcoholic drinks are on the rise, the Trimbos Institute reported on Tuesday.

Nitrous oxide controversy revived as students and parties return from quarantine: ... now the discarded metal bottles of nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’ has became such a nuisance again that a renewed call for new regulations is gaining support in Utrecht.

BELGIUM

Belgium wants to ban selling laughing gas to minors: A bill banning the sale of metal capsules containing laughing gas (nitrous oxide) has been approved in Belgium's parliamentary health committee on Monday. 

FRANCE

France may ban 'laughing gas' sale to minors as usage grows: France may soon ban the sale of nitrous oxide capsules - known as “laughing gas” - to minors, as national health body Anses launches a study into the chemical’s increased use and possible neurological side effects.

USA

Crowbar-wielding daughter bludgeons parents to death after being confronted about huffing paint (NV): A Nevada woman was sentenced late last month to life in prison without parole for beating her parents to death with a crowbar and lighting their house on fire after they caught her huffing paint in the garage.

Prison for DUI mom who endangered kids by huffing: A York-area woman has been sentenced to state prison for crashing into the Taco Bell along York's Route 30 corridor after huffing compressed air.

Family files lawsuit against Silver Serpent store: The family of [a student] who died during a fraternity hazing at Ohio University, is filing a lawsuit against the store at the center of the case.

Driver accused of huffing aerosol (WI): Suspect faces charges in multiple counties. 

Woman allegedly steals aerosol dusters five separate times from Wilkes-Barre Target (PA): [She] has been arrested after she stole aerosol air dusters five times from the Target in Wilkes-Barre.

A coke-sniffing, gas-inhaling doctor kept practicing after ordered to stop, state says (FL): A Stuart doctor who the state of Florida says sniffed cocaine off his desk and inhaled nitrous oxide at work has had his medical license suspended for writing controlled substance prescriptions.

Walmart faces class action over kids’ huffing of dust spray: Walmart Inc. and AW Distribution Inc. are facing a proposed class action over the sale of dust removal spray that some purchasers intentionally inhale to get high.

FIJI

Two teenagers arrested for sniffing glue: Two 18-year-old individuals were arrested for sniffing glue in Nadawa, Nasinu area during curfew hours last night.

VSA Headlines - June 2020

In The hidden burden of laughing gas, published in BMJ Opinion on 16th June, Amira Guirguis, Luigi Martini and Mair Davies argue that tighter regulations around the sale of N2O online need to be imposed by the government and project that the number of patients presenting to healthcare services with neurological damage due to N2O consumption will rise. Read more here.

In other headlines:-

UK

South Yorkshire solvent-abuser gets "one more chance" or she faces jail: A solvent-abuser who breached a Criminal Behaviour Order for the fourth time after she was caught with aerosol canisters in public has been given “one more chance” to avoid prison.

Man caught with gas canister at Aberdeen shopping centre: A man was caught breaching an anti-social behaviour order after being found with a gas canister at an Aberdeen shopping centre.

Premier Inn and police want 3m fence to stop butane-addicted beggar: Police are backing a bid by a hotel for a security fence to stop anti-social behaviour in one of Norwich city centre’s streets - particularly to deter a beggar described by officers as “a daily drain on resources”.

Laughing gas arrests after 1,800 canisters found in car: Police stopped a vehicle on Furnace Way, Swansea, arresting a 16-year-old youth, and two other men, aged 21 and 22, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a psychoactive substance.

Police seize more than 20,000 nitrous oxide capsules in huge 750-officer road crime operation: Metropolitan Police also made 33 arrests for a variety of offences, including possession of offensive weapons, possession of Class A drugs, and drink and drug driving.

Three men in Worksop arrested on suspicion of intent to supply 'laughing gas': It’s after dozens of Nitrous Oxide canisters were found in Manton.

17-year-old Swindon boy investigated by police over supply of nitrous oxide: A 17-year-old boy is the subject of a police investigation into the distribution of nitrous oxide after being found in possession of a large number of canisters.

Groups seen fighting and inhaling laughing gas at Endcliffe Park as police issue appeal: A police appeal has been made for mobile phone footage of a fight in a Sheffield park.

Cash, cannabis and 6,000 laughing gas canisters found in Brierley Hill: Around 6,000 nitrous oxide canisters were found along with cash and cannabis by police in the Black Country.

BALLOONACY: Hamilton ace Shaun Want admits inhaling ‘hippy crack’ after club insisted he was blowing up kid’s birthday balloons.

Drug researchers warn of the dangers of 'laughing gas' following illegal raves: ITV video report by Anna Youssef.

Nitrous Oxide: Investigation: By Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle for the Bauer Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio network.

Nitrous oxide use among young people is increasing in lockdown because it’s cheap and accessible: A common perception is that laughing gas is harmless, but medical experts warn of its dangers and call for better regulation.

'Neglect' claims over failure to tackle laughing gas abuse by teens: Claim comes as it is revealed no test purchases of the age-restricted products had been carried out by trading standards.

Call to stop 'Hippy Crack' being sold to kids in similar crackdown to 1980s glue-sniffers: Councillors say more needs to be done to stop canisters being sold by some retailers.

Tamworth councillor starts petition over the growing misuse of 'laughing gas': Cllr Pritchard hopes his petition will gain 10,000 signatures and thus trigger a formal government response.

Government responds to Philip Davies over Nitrous Oxide fears: A Bradford MP has called on the Government to put a "greater focus" on the use of nitrous oxide (N20) across the UK after community centres shared concerns about its accessibility.

Social worker expresses concern over soaring use of 'laughing gas' by young people: An increasing number of small canisters of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or hippy crack, are being found in Wigan, community leaders have said.

Experts call for action as telltale silver canisters from laughing gas use litter our parks in lockdown: Ministers have been told to clamp down on the dangerous 'hippy crack' craze which is booming during the lockdown. (News stories centring on local concerns about nitrous oxide canisters discarded as litter came from Birmingham, Brighton, Broadstairs, Bromsgrove, Cardiff, Coventry, Devon, Epsom, Essex, Fife, Filey (N Yorks) Leicestershire, Lichfield, Liverpool, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes, Newark, Peterlee, Portsmouth, Richmond (Yorks), Saddleworth, Sheffield, Somerset, St Helens, South Tyneside, Surrey, Warrington, Wigan, Whitstable, Wrexham, York.)

Off their heads: the shocking return of the rave: ... Worse still were the thousands of discharged nitrous oxide gas canisters, which are made of metal and can be fatal to birds and other wildlife. “It was a sea of silver,” Lord says. “I couldn’t even guess how many of them I picked up. Thousands and thousands.”

Police break up lockdown party after 30 revellers 'set up tented village in woods': The partygoers had lit a fire and reported finding bottles of alcohol and nitrous oxide cannisters littered at the scene.

No laughing matter: Deadly hippy crack craze sweeping post-lockdown Britain as parks and beaches left looking like ‘giant dustbins’.

The deadly hippy crack craze: Harry Wallop on the oh-so-trendy – but sometimes fatal – drug of choice for the post-lockdown revellers who are turning Britain into a giant dustbin.

Opinion: Nitrous oxide is no laughing matter: By Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell.

Calls to bring 'laughing gas' ban into town centre: Calls have been made to ban the use of ‘laughing gas’ in Doncaster town centre in line with strict anti-social behaviour measures.

Bradford community centre fears Nitrous Oxide drug "trend": Criminal justice workers have urged the Government to re-categorise a legal high after noticing more young people being "exploited" and influenced into taking Nitrous Oxide (N2O) across the district.

No laughing matter...nitrous oxide users told they face criminal record: Users of nitrious oxide are being told they could end up with criminal record as police continue to warn of its dangers.

Reports of youths taking drugs at Horrocks Wood car park: ... "There were small compressed gas canisters all over the car park, they had been thrown on the floor."

Laughing gas canisters in Witham spark concerns about use: Council bosses are looking to crackdown on a “dangerous” drug following an apparent surge in use.

'Extremely dangerous' laughing gas canisters discarded around NI - 'please don’t inhale nitrous oxide – it could kill you': A warning has been issued to the public to be aware that a number of nitrous oxide or laughing gas canisters being discarded in various places in NI.

Parents warned of potentially deadly 'hippy crack' drugs craze in Edinburgh and Lothian parks: Lothian MSP and Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs [said] ... “I will be raising this matter with the Scottish Government and asking what efforts it is making to educate young people in Lothian about the risks of using it and how it can do more to tackle those supplying it to youngsters.”

Police issue warning about dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide: The warning comes after officers have reported seeing an increase in the number of empty canisters they are finding while patrolling North Yorkshire, especially in areas where young people are known to meet and congregate.

Police urge people to ‘say no to N2O’ following reports of drug use in Hemel Hempstead: Police are warning the public about the dangers of nitrous oxide following an increase in reports of people using the drug in Hemel Hempstead.

York police issue warning to parents after youths were seen inhaling nitrous oxide: Police have issued a warning to parents after finding evidence that children were taking nitrous oxide on a York field.

Police to patrol Camberley park after reports of nitrous oxide use: Police are to carryout patrols of the area around Watchetts Recreation Ground in Camberley after reports of nitrous oxide use.

Police increase patrols around 'problem areas' of Bath after night rave: Officers received reports of anti-social behaviour, drinking, and drug use in local parks

Nitrous oxide cannisters found at Royal Victoria Country Park: Police have issued a warning about the potentially fatal consequences of inhaling laughing gas after searching teenagers and finding nitrous oxide cannisters.

Police warning over worrying laughing gas trend hitting West Yorkshire's streets: Nitrous Oxide also known as Nox or Laughing Gas is a psychoactive drug.

Laughing gas incidents and coronavirus lockdown breaches lead to police warning in Hinckley area:

The force has spoken to several youths who were identified.

Police warn of lethal dangers of Nitrous Oxide after “massive” increase in empty canisters: Police in Lymm are warning about the potentially lethal dangers of inhaling Nitrous Oxide after noticing a “massive” increase in the number of empty silver canisters around the village.

'Laughing gas' warning issued after empty cartridges found in South Tyneside: A warning about the dangers of inhaling ‘laughing gas’ has been issued after discarded cartridges were sighted around South Tyneside.

Gas canisters found in Weston Hills prompts new warning about using laughing gas: A new warning about the use of laughing gas has been issued by police after gas canisters were found scattered on land in South Holland.

'Laughing gas' warning as police urge parents to speak to children about dangers of drug (Sunderland): Parents have been urged to speak to their children to deter them from using ‘laughing gas’ which can prove deadly.

The dangerous trend hooking bored Yorkshire teenagers during lockdown: Warnings have been issued on the potential fatal dangers of using nitrous oxide cannisters in Yorkshire after a rise of it being abandoned around the county.

Drug craze fears as over 500 canisters of ‘hippy crack’ found on Scots beach: A clear-up of Longniddry Bents in East Lothian saw 533 containers of nitrous oxide recovered alongside empty booze bottles.

Police issue warning to Melton ‘laughing gas’ users: Police have issued a warning to people in the Melton borough who are using so-called ‘laughing gas’ materials about the dangers they are facing.

Huge rise in ‘laughing gas’ abuse, TD claims: There has been a jump in the number of discarded canisters of nitrous oxide in parks and public areas since the pandemic began, Mark Ward said.

Revellers doing 'hippy crack' at Bolton reservoir: Teenage revellers have been seen inhaling nitrous oxide ­— also known as laughing gas or 'hippy crack' ­— and drinking at a Bolton beauty spot.

Laughing gas canisters trigger health warning: A health warning has been issued after dozens of laughing gas canisters were found around Workington.

Funding boost for organisation helping young people in Lichfield and Burntwood during coronavirus crisis: ...“ Included in the bags of fun are crafting items, pots to plant seeds, wellbeing items, sweets, plus leaflets provided by Re-Solv for young people and parents surrounding issues in lockdown.”

IRELAND

‘I’ll probably die of a broken heart’ — Parents speak out about dangers of ‘hippy crack’ following 15-year-old’s death: The parents of a 15-year-old boy have spoken out about the dangers of Nitrous Oxide, also known as ‘hippy crack’, following his death.

Kildare Gardaí find almost 1,000 canisters of 'laughing gas' drug in house: As part of Investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Kilcock area, Gardaí searched a house in Kilcock in recent days.

Call for awareness campaign in Dublin on nitrous oxide dangers: A Dublin TD has asked the Minister for Health to set up an awareness campaign on the dangers of nitrous oxide or "laughing gas".

Use of nitrous oxide or 'hippie crack' on the rise during pandemic: A teenage boy died after inhaling the gas in Dublin last month.

No laughing matter: HSE warns against recreational use of 'laughing gas': People may take it for a short-term "euphoric high", according to the HSE's Clinical Lead on Addiction Services, Dr Eamon Keenan.

Ketamine and nitrous oxide seized by Gardai: As part of Investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Kilcock area Gardai searched a house in Kilcock during the week.

TD claims number of bored youths turning to ‘laughing gas’ is sky rocketing: The number of young people inhaling nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’, has risen sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic, a TD has claimed. See also Nitrus oxide: Kids being introduced to hard drugs though laughing gas epidemic: TD calls on Government to create awareness campaign around gateway drug 'hippy crack' that has claimed at least one Dublin young life and left others with life-changing injuries.

'Hippy crack' on rise in Swords: (Fingal) Regional drugs task force warns of danger of Nitrous Oxide.

Nitrous oxide: Renewed warnings as more potentially lethal 'silver bullets' discovered across Dublin: The use of 'hippy crack' has become rampant across the capital.

Warning to parents and kids as nitrous oxide canisters popping up around Ireland: Last week a devastated dad warned kids and parents of the dangers of the canisters after his son was found slumped over after taking them in Tallaght.

'Potential for serious harm' - worrying rise in use of 'laughing gas' in Kildare: The Military Police have warned of the 'potential for serious harm' of the so-called 'laughing gas' drug which has become common among some young people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

NETHERLANDS

Excessive use of laughing gas can lead to serious spinal problems: At least 64 youngsters have ended up in hospital with spinal injuries over the past two years after inhaling nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, RTL Nieuws has reported. The figures derive from sampling carried out by the Dutch association of neurologists at a number of Dutch hospitals. In several cases the youngsters, with an average age of 22, ended up in wheelchair, RTL said.

No laughing matter: new legislation will ban the sale of nitrous oxide: Junior health minister Paul Blokhuis has published his plans to severely ristrict the sale of laughing gas to consumers, six months after pledging to take action.

Laughing gas use involved in Limburg Terrace Crash: The young people who crashed their car into a terrace in Gennep on Wednesday, injuring six people, may have been using nitrous oxide or laughing gas shortly before the crash, L1 reports based on information from witnesses. 

USA

Man charged with stabbing Kansas City police officer (MO): [He] told police that he was suicidal and trying to kill himself by huffing when he was approached by the officer. He said he heard voices, got scared and felt cornered by the officer and stabbed him.

‘Little Rascals’ star arrested for huffing air duster cans: Upon arriving, police discovered [the] 35-year-old in his hotel room surrounded by cans.

Lincoln woman arrested after passing out (NE): A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered three air duster bottles and the receipts of when and where they were purchased.

Crash caused by man who inhaled compressed gas, deputies say (NY): St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies say an Ogdensburg man caused his car to go off the road after he inhaled a compressed gas and passed out.

Mattydale EMT assaulted by alleged ‘whippits’ thief (NY): They call it laughing gas, but when Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended a 30-year-old motorist suspected of being high on nitrous oxide on June 8 in Mattydale, it was clearly no laughing matter.

RUSSIA

Boris Mendelevich: ‘Sniffing as kind of substance abuse is the most widely spread addiction among teenagers’: On the threshold of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in his op-ed column, the State Duma’s deputy, psychiatrist Boris Mendelevich talks about the scale of expansion of one of the most harmful kinds of drug addiction — substance abuse, particularly, sniffing — and difficulties with detecting the disease.

AUSTRALIA

Teen dies after fatal act during sleepover with friends: A NSW mother who lost her son six months ago is calling for more to be done to warn young people about the dangers of chroming.

Karlsson A., & Peacock, A. (2020). Recent use of nitrous oxide among people who regularly use ecstasy in Adelaide, South Australia, 2003-2019. Drug Trends Bulletin Series. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Drug and Alcohol Program ©NDARC, UNSW SYDNEY 2020.

Chrome stoppers: Cairns youth service teams with local retailers to curb inhalant abuse 'outbreak' (Q): A first of its kind meeting in Cairns is hoping to curb 'volatile substance use' — better known as 'chroming' or 'sniffing' — among young people.

FIJI

Two men arrested last night for sniffing glue and benzine in Muanikoso: Two men aged 19 and 21 years were arrested last night in Muanikoso as they were found sniffing glue and benzine.

NEW ZEALAND

Review into care of mental-health patient before his death shows errors: He told doctors he had ongoing headaches he believed was caused by solvent abuse.