Campus News
Police Department encourages safety after large cache of nitrous oxide found in campus woods
To maintain a safe and supportive campus environment, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department is raising awareness about the potential dangers of nitrous oxide when used as a recreational drug.
To maintain a safe and supportive campus environment, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department is raising awareness about the potential dangers of nitrous oxide when used as a recreational drug, after seizing 40 canisters of the gas.
While nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in dentistry and culinary applications, it is increasingly abused as a recreational “party drug,” posing serious health risks, including loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death.
On May 2, 2025, the UCSC Police Department responded to a tip reporting the presence of several tanks in a wooded area on campus. Upon arrival, officers located and seized forty (40) large nitrous oxide tanks, which appeared to be recently staged and unused. If distributed as individual “hits” in a party setting, the estimated street value of the tanks exceeds $40,000.
Chief Kevin Domby stated, “There is no doubt that these tanks were brought onto campus with the intent to distribute this substance to individuals who may not fully understand the dangers of nitrous oxide inhalation.”
Chief Domby extended his appreciation to the community member who reported the discovery and urged anyone with information about those responsible to contact the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
The university’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department is working in coordination with the police department to safely dispose of the tanks—a process expected to cost several thousand dollars.