HIPPY CRACKDOWN
Music fans warned of zero tolerance for laughing gas
Music fans have been warned they face a zero-tolerance clampdown on so- called hippy crack at next month’s TRANSMT festival.
The drug – nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas – has been in widespread use at Glastonbury despite warnings from the organisers about its dangers.
Revellers were seen inhaling the gas from balloons – the most common method of taking it – at Worthy Farm. It is also sold in aluminium cartridges.
At £1.50 a dose, it causes a brief feeling of euphoria.
But drug campaigners have warned of hidden dangers. And organisers of next month’s two-day event in Glasgow have said any drug-taking will not be tolerated. Police Scotland have also warned they will take a zero-tolerance approach.
On TRNSMT’s website, fans are warned nitrous oxide and all substances formerly known as legal highs will be treated “as illegal drugs”.
The event, with headliners including Scots rockers Biffy Clyro, takes place on Glasgow Green over the weekend of July 7- 9. The organisers’ statement
reads: “Management, at its discretion, may confiscate any item that is deemed illegal or unsuitable.
“This includes illegal or intoxicating substances including ‘ legal/ herbal’ highs, new psychoactive substances, nitrous oxide (NOS/laughing gas) and unidentifiable substances.
“If anyone is found in the possession of what is suspected drugs, legal/herbal highs you wi l l be treated as in possession of illegal drugs and may be arrested or refused entry to the event.”
There were 17 deaths linked to the use of nitrous oxide in the UK between 2006 and 2012.
Drugs advisory site talktofrank.com warns of the dangers of inhaling the gas for recreational purposes.
It says: “There is a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur when using nitrous oxide.
“This occurs when the available oxygen for breathing is effectively pushed out by the nitrous oxide.
“Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is especially dangerous as it can increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death.”
It has been illegal to supply nitrous oxide or import it since the Psychoactive Substances Act – which banned “legal highs” – came into effect in May 2016.
Police said: “As with any other festival or event, there will be a zero tolerance to any drug taking at the TRNSMT festival.
“We are working closely with the festival organisers and other partner agencies to ensure the safety of the public at this event.”