Police in the Black Country have arrested a 19-year-old man after discovering more than 100 boxes of nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as laughing gas, inside a shop on Wednesbury High Street. The discovery was made on Thursday, May 21, when officers on patrol spotted suspicious activity outside the store.
Upon entering the premises, officers recovered 126 boxes of the substance, which has an estimated street value of approximately £15,000. In addition to the nitrous oxide, a quantity of illegal cigarettes was also seized from the shop.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation, according to a spokesperson for West Midlands Police.
In a statement, the police spokesperson said: "A man has been arrested after patrolling officers recovered over 100 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles from a store in Wednesbury. Whilst on patrol yesterday afternoon, officers spotted suspicious activity outside a convenience store on Wednesbury High Street. We entered the store and recovered 126 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles which has an estimated street value of £15,000 and a quantity of illicit cigarettes. A man, aged 19, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs. He has been bailed pending further enquiries."
The spokesperson added: "We’re taking tough action against High Street stores in the West Midlands which are funding organised crime through sales of illicit goods and fuelling anti-social behaviour and violence. Suspected drug dealers have been arrested and thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes have been seized as we work with partners including Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration. If there's evidence of criminal activity, or links to organised crime, then we will always look to secure charges and seek closure orders on premises."
Police are urging anyone with information about illegal activity to contact them via Live Chat on their website, by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
