The Intervention Team HIT of the police arrested a 37-year-old man from Groningen on Tuesday, May 27. He is suspected of large-scale trade in laughing gas. The police tracked the man down during an investigation into, among other things, Anonymous Crime Reporting reports.

Seized goods

During the searches of a house in Groningen and a warehouse in Sappemeer, large quantities of cartridges and cylinders were found. In total, 300 liters of laughing gas were found. The goods and a vehicle have been confiscated. The investigation into the suspect and the goods will continue under the direction of the Public Prosecutor.

Risks

The use of laughing gas poses significant health risks. These range from dizziness, headaches, and nausea to neurological damage such as numbness, muscle weakness, and even permanent paralysis. Additionally, the use of laughing gas in traffic can lead to traffic accidents, sometimes resulting in very serious injuries or fatal outcomes.

Criminal Offense

Since January 1, 2023, laughing gas falls under the Opium Act. This makes it illegal to trade, transport, or possess the substance unless there is an acknowledged medical or industrial purpose. This means that police and justice can actively intervene against both users and traders of the substance. When criminal offenses are detected, goods can be confiscated, and prosecution may follow.