Sussex Police Urge People to 'Say NO to N2O!'

Sussex Police have taken to social media to warn people against buying drugs from street dealers and the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide (N20).

Small metal canisters (pictured) that contain nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, can be found discarded all over Sussex in popular hang-out spots, where people gather to inhale it.

Police have warned it can lead to:

• Fainting & unconsciousness, which can lead to death
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, with nerve damage in some cases
• Addiction
• Potentially fatal throat spasms and/or freeze burns
• infertility following long-term exposure

They've asked users to 'bear in mind the majority of canisters may contain unknown industrial contaminants – there’s no way of knowing how it could affect your body in the future'.

The danger comes when inhaling the gas straight from the canister. The high-pressure gas released is extremely cold, which can damage your throat and lungs, stop your breathing and lead to a dangerously slow heart beat.

In related news, police in Hastings have reminded people not to buy unknown drugs from street dealers.

This small tablet (see picture below) was recently taken from a teenager in Hastings who believed it was some kind of drug.

Following analysis, it was found to contain confectioners’ sugar and baby powder. 

A spokesperson for Hastings Police said:

"Street drugs are not regulated. They do not come with an ingredients list. You do not know what you are buying.

"This tablet could have contained far worse chemicals that could have seriously harmed or even killed the teenager."

If you have concerns about a child related to drugs, alcohol, NPS (‘legal highs’) or any other substance, get help and advice from:

• https://orlo.uk/kcjHL

• https://orlo.uk/rQJer

Talk to Frank has information and advice for parents, carers and young people.

There is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, telephone helpline:

• Telephone: 0300 123 6600

• SMS contact via 82111