Story perspectives

Three Sentenced for Importing 91 Million Nitrous Oxide Canisters

8/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Three men were sentenced for importing 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide into the UK via fake catering companies.
Carl Messen received a three-year sentence; twins Benjamin and Thomas Richardson received over six and five years, respectively.
The gang laundered over £16.7 million, despite nitrous oxide being banned for psychoactive use since 2016.
The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit investigated and uncovered the operation's scale.

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Story summary

Three men were sentenced for importing 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide into the UK via fake catering companies.
Carl Messen received a three-year sentence; twins Benjamin and Thomas Richardson received over six and five years, respectively.
The gang laundered over £16.7 million, despite nitrous oxide being banned for psychoactive use since 2016.
The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit investigated and uncovered the operation's scale.