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01
Jul 2020
Lockdown blamed for rise in Harrogate recreational drug use
A drugs advisor has told the Stray Ferret said coronavirus has had a huge impact on the rise of recreational drug use in Harrogate.
As lockdown has eased crowds of people have met on the stray leaving behind drug paraphernalia. Nitrous oxide canisters, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular with young people in the area as they can be easily bought online with no age restrictions in place.
Ruth Watson, a safeguarding and county lines drug trainer, said:
Traditionally used within the catering sector, the canisters are often presumed to less dangerous than other drugs. But side effects can include loss of blood pressure and fainting and in extreme cases nerve damage, heart attacks and death.
Ruth continued:
Read more:
- Harrogate parents said "you can get drugs during your school lunch break".
- The police report an increase in gan canisters found on the Stray.
Harrogate has had a long-standing problem with county lines drugs. It has been dubbed the 'drugs capital of Yorkshire' and the new issue of recreational drugs over lockdown will only enhance this title.
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