More than 1,300 nitrous oxide canisters seized in police operation

More than 1,300 canisters of nitrous oxide have been seized following a police operation.

Yesterday morning (August 6), officers carried out a pre-panned operation targeting the suspected supply of illegal drugs in Darlington.

A warehouse unit in the Lingfield area was searched where officers found several pallets containing more than 1,300 canisters of nitrous oxide, a Class C drug also known as ‘laughing gas’ or NOS.

A 26-year-old man was also arrested at a house in the Whinfield area on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs, and around £30,000 in cash was seized.

He has since been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.

The operation involved officers and staff from across the force, including intelligence, neighbourhoods, and roads and armed policing.

Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, head of Durham’s Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “Nitrous oxide is a really dangerous drug which can cause unconsciousness and even neurological damage or death from suffocation of the oxygen supply to the brain.

“We are seeing a growing number of people – particularly young people - using the drug across County Durham and Darlington.

“The issue is particularly prevalent amongst young drivers, who don’t understand the harm it can cause to them, or the danger they could cause to other road users if they use the drug while driving.

“We have sadly seen the damage that driving under the influence of nitrous oxide can cause, so are taking proactive measures, such as operations like this, to tackle it.

“This was a great piece of cross-command working resulting in a significant seizure of illegal drugs – had we not intercepted this supply, these canisters would have found their way onto our streets, potentially putting innocent people in danger.”

If you have information on the supply of nitrous oxide in your area, contact us on 101 or report it online at www.durham.police.uk

If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org