Nitrous oxide seized from premises in Rusholme as officers make two arrests

Officers from Longsight and Trading Standards conducted a joint visit to a business in Rusholme and seized nitrous oxide cannisters.

A number of items were seized in relation to the investigation, including 60 cannisters and a vehicle suspected to be involved in the drug’s storage and supply.

Two men, aged 41 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. They remain in police custody.

The investigation is ongoing with Trading Standards.Inspector Mark Cheston, of our Longsight Neighbourhood Team, said: “Yesterday evening my team conducted a warrant at a premises on Wilmslow Road in conjunction with our partners from Trading Standards and Manchester City Council’s anti-social behaviour action team.

“This was an intelligence-led operation, resulting in controlled drugs being seized alongside the vehicle. Our partners at Greater Manchester Fire Service also attended the premises to conduct a safety survey following some concerns over the safety of the premises.

“I would like to reassure the community that we will continue to take appropriate action against those that we suspect to be involved in criminal activity, arresting those responsible and seizing controlled drugs that blight our community. Nitrous oxide is now a class C drug and therefore illegal.

“If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this to us directly on 101 or by reporting information using our online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk”

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, added: “The sale of potentially harmful products to the public is an issue we and GMP take very seriously, and this seizure demonstrates the important work that our Trading Standards officers carry out on a daily basis.

“We hope this sends the message the sale and storage of illegal goods will not be tolerated."