Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Massive Gang Smuggles 91M Nitrous Oxide Canisters

8/30/2025

36 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A gang imported 91.35 million canisters of nitrous oxide, far exceeding the 3.8 million used by Costa and Starbucks combined.
They created fake catering companies, such as Worldwide Coffee Traders Ltd and Catering Pantry International Ltd, to disguise operations and launder profits.
The court highlighted the operation's scale and its significant health risks to the community.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act, enacted in 2016, aimed to address the rising misuse of psychoactive drugs, including nitrous oxide, which caused 3,500 hospital admissions that year. The recent importation of 91.35 million canisters by gangs highlights ongoing challenges in regulating these substances and the need for stricter enforcement to combat organized crime and protect public health.

1 of 2

Story summary

A gang imported 91.35 million canisters of nitrous oxide, far exceeding the 3.8 million used by Costa and Starbucks combined.
They created fake catering companies, such as Worldwide Coffee Traders Ltd and Catering Pantry International Ltd, to disguise operations and launder profits.
The court highlighted the operation's scale and its significant health risks to the community.

1 / 2