Darlington warehouse raided as 1,300 laughing gas cans seized

Police say the nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, were recovered during a pre-planned raid on August 6.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at a separate address in Whinfield on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and has since been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

Officers discovered several pallets inside a warehouse, each containing large quantities of nitrous oxide, now classified as a class C drug.

A warehouse in Darlington was raided by police as more than 1,300 cans of nitrous oxide was seized. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Police also seized around £30,000 in cash during the operation.

Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, head of the Durham Roads & 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.”

Enquiries remain ongoing.