HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission issued warnings to over 8,200 tobacco sellers in the Hoosier state about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide.
Officials say 18 Indiana tobacco certificate holders have been cited for illegal nitrous oxide sales, and some employees have been referred for criminal prosecution. Indiana law classifies the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide with the intent to cause intoxication as a misdemeanor.
Superintendent Matt Strittmatter of the Indiana State Excise Police says some sellers are also giving customers, including minors, instructions on how to use a nitrous oxide tank for the purposes of intoxication. A release from the ATC notes nitrous oxide can cause a lack of oxygen, leading to loss of blood pressure, fainting, heart attack and death.
Sellers are asked to immediately cease all illegal sales. Anyone with information about a tobacco certificate location selling nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication is asked to file a complaint with the district office.
