Police have issued a warning after an increase in reports of empty canisters of nitrous oxide being found.

North Yorkshire Police said empty canisters had been found in areas where young people congregate.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the second most-used drug among UK 16- to 24-year-olds. It can induce euphoria and relaxation, as well as hallucinations.

Amid the increase in reports, the force has urged parents to “be viligant” for signs that their children are purchasing it.

In a statement, police said:

“People may believe that because the gas is widely available and easily purchased, that it’s harmless. However, inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness and ultimately suffocation, as the body is essentially starved of oxygen.

“There is also evidence to show that people with heart conditions can be at higher risk of harm and that inhalation can lead to anaemia or long-term nerve damage.”

Read more:

• Laughing gas discovery fuels fears for young people in Harrogate district
• County council plans programme to tackle children being ‘enticed’ to vape

The warning comes after residents in Huby raised concern over canisters of laughing gas being dumped by the side of the road.

In March, John Chadwick, a resident in the village, found 10 canisters left at the side of rural Gravelly Hill Lane.

Mr Chadwick said this was the first time he’d seen the canisters and it “highlights what I believe is becoming an increasing health and behavioural issue predominately amongst younger people”.

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:

“Covid has played a massive part in the rise of recreational drug use in the area.”

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:

“People think its safe but it could lead them on to try harder drugs. Nitrous oxide is a growing issue with young people, since lockdown they’ve been cooped up and not allowed out now they have been out they are overcompensating for it.

“It appears to be a bigger issue since lockdown because it’s more visible. The pandemic has been horrendous in so many respects, it’s now making a social issue with young people getting whatever they can I don’t think it would be like this if things were normal.”

There’s been a visible increase in ‘laughing gas’ canisters in Harrogate.

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.