Police dismantled an illegal drugs network allegedly supplying laughing gas to bars in Thailand

The Economic Crime Suppression Division stormed a commercial building and an apartment in Bangkok, where they seized 204 nitrous oxide canisters worth 400,000 baht (9,495 GBP), on January 7.

Police said the raids were carried out following intelligence that the two sites were used as storage for the controlled chemical, commonly used as a party drug in the country.

Two alleged suppliers, Dawan, 53, and Wikran, 32, were arrested and charged with 'assisting in concealing, distributing, or receiving imported goods without passing through customs procedures'.

Both allegedly admitted the charges.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said the network smuggled nitrous oxide from abroad before hiring riders to deliver them to party venues across Bangkok.

The gas, which can induce euphoria, was used to fill balloons and consumed as narcotics substitues as it was cheaper and more accessible, authorities said.

Police Lieutenant General Nattasak Chaowanasai, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said: ‘This raid on these storages serves to 'cut the cycle' before the products reach consumers.

‘This is a proactive prevention measure aimed at reducing the risk of youths misusing the substance for unintended purposes.'

Under Thailand's Drugs Act of 1967, selling nitrous oxide without a license can result in up to five years in prison and a 10,000 baht (230 GBP) fine. If bought from an unregistered supplier, offenders face an extra three years behind bars and a 5,000 baht (115 GBP) fine.

Thai officials have warned that laughing gas, if inhaled in excessive amounts, can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and death.

The colourless gas, known to induce a euphoric high, is used medically for pain relief and as an anaesthetic. However, it can lead to nerve damage and muscle weakness if frequently used for recreation.

(1 GBP = 42.12 THB)