Two Teenagers arrested for supplying nitrous oxide
Two teenagers have been arrested in Whitstable on suspicion of supplying or offering to supply psychoactive substances. The 19-year-old and 17-year-old, both from Herne Bay, were arrested in Plough Lane, Swalecliffe, just after 10pm on Friday 13 July by officers from the Canterbury Community Policing Team. The officers were on foot patrol in the area when they saw the occupants of two cars acting suspiciously. One occupant was seen holding a number of boxes of nitrous oxide. Both teenagers and the vehicles were searched under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and officers seized 1,824 canisters of nitrous oxide, a small amount of cash, mobile phones and balloons from one of the cars. The teenagers have both been released under investigation. Detective Constable Allison Bridges said: ‘People misusing nitrous oxide should be aware that because it deprives the body of oxygen, it can be fatal when taken in excess. This risk is likely to be greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space or if a substantial amount is rapidly used. ‘It can cause the user to lose awareness, become unconscious and collapse. It can cause heart attacks as well as long-term health problems. The consumption of alcohol with nitrous oxide further increases dangers to the user. ‘We would always encourage members of the public with concerns about the use of nitrous oxide to speak to their local Police Community Support Officer or contact Kent Police on 101.’
