The police in Katrineholm now state that in several places in Katrineholm, Flen and Vingåker, nitrous oxide cartridges are found in places where young people usually are.
And although it is not illegal to use nitrous oxide, the police see this as a problem.
Driveway to drugs
Area police officer Pirjo Svegreus believes that in addition to health risks such as lack of oxygen and weakening of the body's protective reflexes, it can also be a gateway to other drugs.
- We have a good supply of drugs in the whole society today.
So you have once tried to do this so maybe a friend offers a joint or a tablet, and then the step there is much shorter, says area police Pirjo Svegreus.
The reason why finds after nitrous oxide use have become a matter for the police is that schools, caretakers and the like call the police when they find remains in the form of nitrous oxide cartridges and balloons.
Sees only a small part
Pirjo Svegreus believes, however, that the police only become aware of a fraction of the use that takes place.
- Since this is not illegal in any way, I think we have a huge number of blacks, she says.
In the clip, area police Pirjo Svegreus shows one of the places where they usually find residues from nitrous oxide use.