No injuries were reported as the man was detained by police following suspected intoxication with nitrous oxide in Somerset.
A 37-year-old man was arrested near Orchard Road on March 29 for allegedly driving under the influence of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The incident occurred in Somerset in the afternoon, and while no injuries were reported, the driver was taken into police custody for further investigation into a potential rash act.
The arrest, which was captured by a bystander and shared with local media, showed the man seated alongside a woman on the kerb. The scene, with a black sports car parked between two police vehicles, depicted at least five police officers, three of whom surrounded the male driver, while two attended to the woman.
The police were alerted at approximately 1:10 pm on Saturday, receiving a call for assistance near Killiney Road. Authorities arrested the man under Section 64 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010, which allows officers to detain individuals without a warrant in specific circumstances.
Though details on the initial alert remain unclear, police have stated that no injuries were reported. Investigations are still ongoing.
Nitrous oxide, typically used for dental and medical purposes, has gained notoriety for its euphoric effects. While the substance is legal due to its legitimate uses, abusing laughing gas can have severe consequences, including dizziness, hallucinations, and a heightened risk of asphyxiation.
Those struggling with addiction to laughing gas are advised to seek help from the National Addiction Management Services (NAMS), according to the Central Narcotics Bureau.
