National Police seize 1,800 kilos of nitrous oxide from drug trafficking ring in Seville

Press release and image source: National Police of Spain (Policía Nacional)

The National Police have seized 1,800 kilos of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas", from a criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking.

The gas, packaged in 864 bottles, was intercepted as it was being transported in a lorry to Seville. The driver was arrested and the gas was reportedly destined for distribution in youth entertainment areas in Andalusia.

The investigation began in July when agents uncovered a criminal network operating out of southern Andalusia. The group was allegedly involved in international drug trafficking, using lorries to smuggle drugs into various European countries.

Investigators identified a lorry suspected of transporting drugs. The vehicle was stopped on its way from Algeciras to Seville, where police found 1,800 kilos of nitrous oxide. The driver, suspected of belonging to the criminal organisation, was arrested.

According to investigators, the gas was likely to be distributed in youth entertainment areas along the Andalusian coast, where it is sold in balloons. Laughing gas poses a serious health risk, particularly to the central nervous system

The driver has been charged with a public health offence and the authorities are continuing their efforts to arrest other members of the organisation.