A POLICE operation has been launched to crack down on the dangerous illicit use of 'laughing gas' by youths.

The Leader reported recently on the call by Sgt Emma Prevete of the South Flintshire Policing team to parents, traders and members of the public to play their part in addressing the problem.

Operation Blue Sapphire has now been launched to tackle the issue.

Sgt Prevete explained: "[We] have identified that there is an emerging trend in the use of Nitrous Oxide within the community.

"On Wednesday and Thursday (May 26 and 27) in partnership with Flintshire County Council's Trading Standards Department, Flintshire South Neighbourhood Policing Team visited a number of retailers in the area to raise awareness of the law surrounding the sale of Nitrous Oxide, the impact this could have on the retailers should they fail to adhere to the law and the health risks posed to its users.

"The aim was to reduce illegal sales by retailers, reducing accessibility to the end user and its use within the community, thus reducing demand on both police and the local health board.

"Nitrous Oxide is a colourless gas that is most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters. "Commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, evidence of its use is visible through discarded small silver canisters.

"Nitrous Oxide is recognised under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. It is illegal to give it away or sell for its psychoactive effect.

"This operation is intended to tackle the negative effects of its use, such as Anti-social behaviour, littering, public order and criminal damage offences etc and reduce demand on policing.

"It is also recognised that this is public health concern and by conducting this operation, engagement and education will help towards reducing demand on the health service.

"It is believed that this is a commonly used recreational drug by young people aged 16-24 years.

"People open the canister, transfer the gas into a container (usually a balloon), then inhale from this."

Sgt Prevete said retailers have seen a rise in the sale of balloons.

She continued: "[The] 'Ask Frank' drug advice website states that some people have described the smell and taste of Nitrous Oxide as slightly sweet.

"Inhaling Nitrous Oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure.

"It can cause a spasm of the throat muscle and stop a person breathing.

"It is documented that young people have suffered damage to their lungs from the pressure.

"The health board is seeing cases, placing demand upon them."

North Wales Police has warned nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body’s responses and the effect of the drug varies depending upon how much has been inhaled.

People can experience;

- Feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness

- Giggles and laughter – hence the nickname laughing gas

- Severe headache

- Dizziness, which could result in acts that are careless/reckless

- Thought process is affected, mental and manual impairment

- Short lived, but intense feelings of paranoia

- Heavy use can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12, resulting in anaemia. This can lead to nerve damage, tingling and numbness in fingers and toes combined with severe pain.

Sgt Prevete continued: "A combination of alcohol and Nitrous Oxide is especially dangerous and it increases the risk associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of harm, anti-social behaviour and criminal offences, thus placing demand on North Wales Police.

"Flintshire South Neighbourhood Policing Team ask for parents to be vigilant to the signs of use of this drug, evidence of their children purchasing from local retailers, or online.

"It is illegal to give it away to another person, or sell for its psychoactive effect."