Anger as ‘laughing gas’ drug canisters found on Leith Links

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas” is illegal if used recreationally.

Empty canisters of nitrous oxide littered across Leith Links have prompted anger from local residents.

The substance, which is also known as NOS or “laughing gas” is stored in small canisters for commercial use as a propellant.

But under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016), it is illegal to use the gas recreationally, since it has psychoactive properties if inhaled.

Laughing gas canisters found on Leith Links.

Around 10 empty laughing gas canisters were found on the Links on Saturday night, scattered on the ground and in a plastic cup.

“I was shocked to see them in a plastic cup right in the middle of the Links,” one concerned resident told the Evening News, “Kids could have come across them or anything.

“I was fuming, how dare someone just leave drug paraphernalia in the middle of a family park. Disgusting,” the added.

“We're supposed to be in lockdown and people were rammed on to the Links on Saturday.

“Do people not realise what lockdown means?”

On Friday, figures from Police Scotland revealed that officers across Scotland have arrested 78 people for flouting lockdown rules, and issued fines to 1,637.

In Edinburgh alone there have been eight arrests and 118 fines - mostly for people breaking restrictions during spells of warm weather.

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