Los Gatos Man Busted For Possession of Nitrous Oxide, Laughing Gas

This was no laughing matter ...

Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies arrested a Los Gatos man two weeks ago on suspicion of being in possession of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.

According to a sheriff's report, Alexander McNulty, 20, was booked for the crime at 10:55 a.m. March 21 at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, 55 W. Younger Ave. in San Jose.

McNulty, whose occupation is described in the report as a student, was charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly having the recreational-use drug that is often administered to patients as an anesthetic during dental treatments.

McNulty was also charged with misdemeanor underage possession of alcohol.

It's illegal for persons under the age of 21 to drive any motor vehicle carrying any alcoholic beverage, unless they're accompanied by a parent, responsible adult relative, any other adult designated by the parent, or legal guardian for the purpose of transportation of an alcoholic beverage, according to the California Vehicle Code.

It's not clear from the report in what form the nitrous oxide, or "noz" was contained in, whether it was a small tank, a mislabeled canister, or a balloon.

The FDA has recently cracked down on the illegal use of nitrous oxide and authorities say the gas has become more mainstream, being used by young people at rave-style parties.