A CLASS C drug is being consumed on an 'almost industrial scale' by groups at Bournemouth's beaches, police say.
With large groups of people flocking to the beach to enjoy the hot weather, police have noticed that a certain class C drug is making the rounds.
Patrolling Bournemouth beach every day this week, officers from Bournemouth Police have identified a particular focus on the widespread use of nitrous oxide (NOS).
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A spokesperson for Bournemouth Police said: "For those that are unaware NOS is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, or cool whip to some.
"It is consumed on an almost industrial scale by groups on the beach and leads to ASB and disorder, thanks to the brief high achieved.
"The 20 plus officers on patrol have spent most of their day dealing with this, as large groups descended on the beach.
"Their behaviour impacts locals, visiting families and those other here to have a good time and use the beautiful space we have on our door step.
"Most groups dealt with are confrontational, and see no wrong in consuming something that is classified as a class C drug when used like this."
As well as dealing with the use and litter from the class C drugs, officers also dealt with incidents including missing children, drug use, reported sexual assaults, fighting, intoxicated individuals, and safeguarding vulnerable people experiencing mental health crises.
Speaking on the use of nitrous oxide, police and crime commissioner, David Sidwick, said that he's 'deeply concerned'.
He said: "I am deeply concerned by reports of teenagers taking nitrous oxide on Bournemouth beach. Let me be clear: drugs have no place in our communities, and nitrous oxide is not a harmless substance.
"It can have serious consequences, including loss of consciousness, accidents, long-term neurological damage and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. The only people gaining from this are the suppliers.
"I would urge everyone, particularly young people, to make sensible choices and think carefully about the risks. A few moments of poor decision-making can have life-changing consequences.
"Parents, families and friends also have an important role to play in helping young people understand the dangers associated with drug use.
"We all want people to enjoy everything Dorset has to offer, but enjoyment should never come at the expense of safety.
"I would like to thank Dorset Police officers, PCSOs, Special Constables, volunteers and our partner agencies who continue to work tirelessly to keep people safe during this spell of hot weather.
"Their efforts help ensure Dorset remains a safe place to live, work and visit throughout the summer.”
