NITROUS OXIDE ARRESTS NO LAUGHING MATTER

Police Apprehend Five Teens On Suspicion Of Possessing The Anesthetic Gas
But Say Its Use Locally Are Rare.

YORBA LINDA--Police arrested five teenagers last week on suspicion of
possessing nitrous oxide. But use of the so-called "laughing gas" is not
prevalent in Yorba Linda or Brea, officials said Tuesday.

Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling gas that when inhaled can cause elation,
dizziness or intoxication. People who inhale it can experience confusion
and physical impairment. An overdose even can lead to coma or death.

The incident involving three boys and two girls reported to have happened
May 18 on Cranberry Lane does not necessarily indicate a trend of nitrous
oxide use among local teens, said Sgt. Gary Drlik of the Brea Police
Department, which serves Yorba Linda.

The drugs most commonly found in these communities are marijuana and
methamphetamine, he said.

But even a stray incident such as this is cause for concern, he added.

"Any time there's any type of activity that affects people in a bad way,
we're very concerned," Drlik said. Inhaling the gas even may cut oxygen
supply and lead to a cardiac arrest, he said.

Users usually pump the gas into balloons or buy it in canisters, Drlik said.

Possession of the gas with intention to use it is considered a misdemeanor
according to the California Penal Code.

No further information was available about the teenagers because they are
minors. But officials said punishment for such offenses varies, depending
on the seriousness of the action. Usually, the teenagers are released to
their parents, said Cpl. Dan Hunter, a patrol officer.

In cases where, for instance, violence is involved, they may be transported
to juvenile hall, he said.