Brussels: record seizure of laughing gas in nightlife establishments
Police officers from the North zone discovered more than 3,300 canisters of nitrous oxide during checks in five Brussels entertainment venues. Six people were charged.
Brussels: record seizure of laughing gas in nightlife establishments
On 30 May, police forces from the North sector conducted checks in five nightlife entertainment venues in the capital. This operation made it possible to seize a significant quantity of illicit products.
Officers discovered 3,345 containers of nitrous oxide, a substance better known as laughing gas. The market value of this merchandise is estimated at €334,500. Furthermore, agents also seized more than 80 kilograms of tobacco, valued at over €31,000, and a sum of €3,040 in cash.
During this intervention, 57 reports were drawn up for violations of a fiscal, social and administrative nature. Seven people were arrested and placed in provisional detention. Six of them were formally charged with belonging to a criminal group, as well as with possession and distribution of nitrous oxide. One of the venues checked was subject to an administrative closure ordered by the courts.
In Belgium, nitrous oxide is listed as an illicit substance. Any use for recreational purposes is strictly prohibited. Public health specialists are alerting to the risks associated with this drug: rapid addiction, cardiovascular problems, neurological disturbances and mental health issues. Excessive inhalation can result in fatal oxygen deprivation or skin damage caused by the freezing of the canisters during their use.
Source: DHNET
Source: DHnet