Folk around the city are doubtful about how policing of people using laughing gas will be enforced after new laws came in outlawing the substance.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, was criminalised by the government last month and made a controlled Class C substance.

Serial users could face up to two years behind bars, while dealers could be jailed for up to 14 years.

Norwich Evening News: Half-empty nitrous oxide canisters found in the cityHalf-empty nitrous oxide canisters found in the city (Image: Submitted)
However, there are fears around how well it will be policed and concerns people "will still find a way" to use it.

READ MORE: High Court date set in council's ongoing bid to evict disabled dad

Paulette Solomon, who lives in Drayton, found multiple gas canisters left around her area earlier this year and said: "I think people will still do it, honestly.

"People who want to use it will just find other, more secretive, places and ways to do it - as sad as it is.

Norwich Evening News: Paulette Solomon said people wanting to use laughing gas will find a wayPaulette Solomon said people wanting to use laughing gas will find a way (Image: Paulette Solomon)
"While it's a good idea in theory, at the end of the day I’m not sure we have enough police around the city to enforce it.

"Anything which stops people from drug abuse is good, but I do think people will find a way regardless."

Alison Wilkin, who lives in Fakenham Road, Taverham, added: "I’ve never seen anybody using the canisters, just the debris left behind when they’ve gone.

Norwich Evening News: The new law says users could face up to two years in prison while dealers could be jailed for up to 14 yearsThe new law says users could face up to two years in prison while dealers could be jailed for up to 14 years (Image: Submitted)
"So it makes you wonder how efficiently it will be policed because a lot of the time it's just done later when fewer people are around or in quieter areas.

"It's a difficult job for the police to enforce."

READ MORE: Two-bed converted barn with 'upside-down' city living on sale for £250K

People caught with nitrous oxide, with the intention of inhaling it, could also be handed an unlimited fine, community punishment or a caution which would appear on their criminal record.

Norwich Evening News: Laughing gas cannisters in the Drayton area earlier this yearLaughing gas cannisters in the Drayton area earlier this year (Image: Submitted)
Chief executive of Norwich-based Mancroft Advice Project, which supports roughly 4,000 11 to 25-year-olds across Norfolk, has previously said the government changes were a "distraction".

He said: "The gangs supplying heroin and cocaine are more of a concern rather than an emphasis on nitrous oxide possession."

Norwich Evening News: Dan Mobbs, chief executive of Mancroft Advice Project (MAP)Dan Mobbs, chief executive of Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) (Image: Newsquest)