A talented cricketer was involved in the supply of 'laughing gas' to students in Nottingham. Hasnain Nasir was supplying nitrous oxide in boxes of 24, Nottingham Crown Court heard.
Each canister cost between £12-£13, bringing a profit on each box of £4, which Nasir spent on general living expenses. Many of his peers used nitrous oxide, which is also called "balloons", "Charges", "Hippie Crack", "Nos", "Noz", "Whippits".
Nasir did not appreciate using the drug was as serious as it is, explained Sarah Phelan, prosecuting, on Tuesday (September 6). Police in Angel Row, leading to Bromley Place, Nottingham city centre, found the nitrous oxide on the back seat of a car and a bag of balloons in October 2018.
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While it is illegal in the UK to supply nitrous oxide for human consumption or to sell it to children, it is not illegal to possess the drug. Users often buy small silver canisters of the gas – known as 'whippits' because of their original purpose as whipped cream chargers – and inhale it from a balloon.
While it can induce laughter and hallucinations, it can also cause neurological problems by inactivating the vitamin B12.
Nasir, 23, of Grimston Road, Bobbers Mill, was interviewed and denied the offence. But he went on to plead guilty to what Miss Phelan said was "clearly supplying to students and friends".
Judge Steven Coupland, who ordered Nasir to pay a fine of £2,500, said: "The supply of nitrous oxide now is becoming quite prevalent and a real problem. You are talking four years ago now when it was rather more a rarity".
Mitigating, Rick Holland said Nasir coaches cricket in Pakistan three months a year and is highly regarded. He played in the Pakistan Super League for a franchise and hopes to find a role in The Hundred.
"He is a cricketer of some considerable promise," said Mr Holland. "He has the support of his employers and his family. He is achieving a great deal at the moment".
Judge Coupland told him: "When police stopped you in October 2018, your response was to say, 'I am not guilty and I have done nothing wrong'. You pleaded not guilty and maintained that for a period of time".
He said Nasir had been involved in the supply with others of nitrous oxide to other people. "You accept being part of that albeit with a limited role. I accept you were not the prime mover in this. You did not make any significant profit at all".
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