London minicab driver caught on camera ‘doing balloons’ whilst parked in TfL licensed PHV
A Transport for London (TfL) licensed minicab driver caused concern after being caught on camera seemingly ‘doing balloons’ at the wheel of the vehicle.
Nitrous oxide, a colourless gas sold in canisters, usually inhaled using a balloon, has become popular amongst drug users in recent times.
In footage shared online by a concerned black cabbie, the driver of the licensed private hire vehicle (PHV) Toyota Prius could be seen inhaling a ballon in broad daylight.
The Met Police are looking into the video after concerns on social media that the ballon may have contained nitrous oxide.
What is Nitrous oxide and what can it do to a user?
According to drugs help and advice site, Talk to Frank, the gas can cause the user to feel relaxed and giggly and may distort sounds. It can also make users dizzy, anxious and paranoid.
The effects of the drug usually kicks in immediately and lasts for around 1-2 minutes.
Advice says that one of the risks include judging how many balloons to use. Too much nitrous oxide can make you faint, lose consciousness, or suffocate.
