The Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force is investigating after officers say they found flavored nitrous oxide being illegally sold at a Lincoln smoke shop.
Lincoln Police said Friday the investigation began in late July after the department received a report that 3D Smoke Shop, 1314 N. 66th St., was selling illegal products. Earlier this month, investigators went to the store and purchased a .95-liter canister of Galaxy Gas, a flavored nitrous oxide product.
Police said investigators returned the following day with a search warrant and seized six additional .95-liter canisters of nitrous oxide from the store.
LPD said the sale of the substance is illegal under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1484.
Investigators determined seven additional smoke shops related to the original store might also carry the product. Those businesses were checked the following day, but police said no additional nitrous oxide was found.
No citations have been issued. LPD said the investigation remains ongoing and citations could be issued later. The Narcotics Task Force is also conducting random spot checks at smoke shops.
Police used Friday’s briefing to warn about the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “whippets.” LPD said inhaling the substance can cause serious short- and long-term health effects and, in some cases, sudden death.
Police said they are not aware of anyone becoming sick from the products involved in this investigation.
LPD also encouraged parents to learn about the products and talk with their children about the potential risks.