Hundreds of deadly laughing gas canisters discovered - The Stratford Observer

Hundreds of deadly laughing gas canisters discovered

Stratford Editorial 28th Feb, 2019 Updated: 28th Feb, 2019   0

HUNDREDS of potentially deadly laughing gas canisters have been discovered in Bidford.

Police discovered the nitrous oxide canisters littered across the car park at the Big Meadow off Honeybourne Road – despite posters pinned all around the meadow warning people about the dangers of using the canisters.

The posters say the drug – also known as laughing gas or hippy crack – can cause health problems if inhaled, including loss of blood pressure, fainting and possibly a heart attack. Prolonged exposure could result in poisoning of the nervous system.

Inspector David Kettle from the Stratford Safer Neighbourhood team told the Observer the canisters were easy to get as they were used in food preparation for making whipped cream.




It is not the first time they have been found in the area. Last year the little silver bottles were discovered in Wellesbourne and Leamington.

He said: “The little canisters are designed for the food industry are readily available and are cheap.


“They are routinely abused usually by emptying the canister into a balloon and then inhaling the gas which provides a high. The practice is dangerous both in the short term and long term.”

The gas is often used as a party drug, making users feel euphoric and relaxed.

But signs of use can be hard to spot as the effects are often short-lived.

Since 2016 it is illegal for businesses to supply or import it for human consumption. It is still legal for people to own and use the canisters.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Stratford Observer newspaper.