TFM NEWS EXCLUSIVE - Laughing Gas Crackdown

Published 10th Mar 2015

Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner says his force are cracking down on the illegal sale of laughing gas, thanks to an exclusive undercover investigation by TFM News.

After concerns were raised about the sale of potentially deadly nitrous oxide here our reporter <a class="article-body-link" href="https://twitter.com/dgwjohnson "Dominic Johnson"">Dominic Johnson went undercover to find out exactly what's happening.

It's illegal to sell the gas if you believe it's going to be inhaled as a recreational drug.

But during our undercover recording, that's exactly what we found one company to be doing.

Following this discovery, we spoke to the British Medical Association's North East Chairman, Dr George Rae, about what the effects of laughing gas can be.

It can induce lightheadedness and a sense of euphoria for a short time, but the side effects can be incredibly serious.

Dr Rae said: "There have been a number of deaths from young people using this, the side effects can be absolutely profound, even catastrophic.

"There have been strokes and heart attacks and blackouts and so forth. And the fact is that there are some catastrophic side effects.

"People think it's safe but nothing could be further from the truth, if one person has a serious effect from laughing gas then that is undoubtedly one too many."

The use of the gas has been growing in the UK, with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs writing to the government to highlight their concerns about the 'rapid increase' in its use.

Following our undercover investigations, we spoke to Durham PCC Ron Hogg about the issue.

He told us it's something they're aware is happening and know is currently a growing trend among young people.

He added it's something the police are working to tackle and warned those selling it, and those taking the gas, that the consequences can be very severe.

Hear more with our reporter <a class="article-body-link" href="https://twitter.com/dgwjohnson "Dominic Johnson"">Dominic Johnson on NightOwls from 10pm.