Durham Police seized more than 1,300 canisters of nitrous oxide during a pre-planned raid on a warehouse unit in the Lingfield area of Darlington on Thursday.
Officers found several pallets of the Class C drug, also known as laughing gas or NOS. A 26-year-old man was arrested at a house in the Whinfield area on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. Around £30,000 in cash was also seized during the operation. The man has been released on bail while investigation work is carried out.
Growing concern among young drivers
Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, head of Durham's roads and armed policing unit, described the seizure as significant. She said the force had seen a growing number of people using the drug, particularly among young drivers.
"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," Hindmarsh said.
"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."
Health risks
Misuse of nitrous oxide can slow down the brain's and body's responses. Chronic heavy use can cause nerve damage.
The maximum sentence for production or supply of the drug for unlawful purposes is 14 years.
