Police raid business in Rusholme and seize 60 laughing gas cannisters

Police seized 60 cannisters of nitrous oxide after raiding a business in Rusholme.

Officers burst into the premises on Wilmslow Road last night (Wednesday) as part of an 'intelligence-led operation'. They seized 60 cannisters of the class C drug nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas.

Two men - aged 41 and 60 - were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. Both have been taken into police custody for questioning.

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Officers also seized a van that was 'suspected to be involved in the drug’s storage and supply'. Fire crews also scoured the scene over 'concerns for the safety of the premises'.

The raid was carried out as part of a joint investigation between Greater Manchester Police's Longsight team and Trading Standards. An investigation remains ongoing.

Inspector Mark Cheston, of GMP's 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."

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