Police are to forensically test nitrous oxide canisters that were found in Swindon.
Officers discovered several boxes of the illegal drug in a ditch in the Tadpole Garden Village area, thought to be for a New Year’s Eve party.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or NOS, is generally used to inflate balloons. It is also used illegally as a drug – inhaled for a ‘high’.
The 36 large canisters were hidden under a pile of leaves, but have since been seized.
Wiltshire Police has said it will be forensically examining the items and packaging to identify those involved in the supply of the illicit substance.
It’s been illegal to supply the drug for use since 2016, but possession was lawful up until 2023.
In a statement on 1 January, the force added: “We trust you all enjoyed your celebrations or just a lovely night in instead.
“If however, you were anticipating 36 large canisters of NOS to be at a party you attended but were disappointed, don’t fear – we have them!
“We recovered these items, cunningly disguised with some leaves in a ditch, from the Tadpole / Blunsdon area.
“Due to the quantity located we will commence a forensic examination of the items and packaging to identify those involved in the supply of this substance.
“Any information relating to these items and who may have missed them, please call in on 101 quoting reference number 54240153641.”
