Brazen dealer found with Christmas 'packs' of laughing gas has become the first person in the UK to be jailed for drug possession

A CHALLENGE dealer caught with Christmas 'packs' of laughing gas has become the first person in the UK to be jailed for drug possession.

Thomas Salton was stopped the police he has Range Rover with 60 canisters of nitrous oxide, 48 one-gram sachets of ketamine and £39,000 in cash.

2

The 30-year-old man had another 408 canisters of nitrous oxide and 965 grams of ketamine at home. rent.

Officers believe that Salton planned to flood a Christmas party with laughter gas after he composed a “mischievous and nice“list.

The dealer would hand out a party bag of the drug to those on his naughty list, and players were expected to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Salton has now been jailed for 35 months after admitting possessing nitrous oxide with intent to supply.

The conviction is the first for the drug, also known as “hippie crack.” outlawed in the UK.

On December 1, Salton was stopped by the police while he was driving his car.

He also admitted possession of ketamine with intent to supply, possession of a Class A drug and possession of criminal property in relation to the cash at Basildon Crown court.

Nitrous oxide has been classified as a Class C drug of abuse Drugs Act of 1971 last November.

Under the rightanyone found in possession of laughing gas can receive a maximum of 14 years in prison.

The drug is still available for legal use, such as in maternity wards for pain relief or for public catering.

health risks such as anemia, nerve damage, and even paralysis have been linked to nitrous oxide.

Alex Hinds, CPS prosecutor East of Englandsaid: “The evidence against Thomas Salton was overwhelming and this case is an example of how all parts of the justice system work together to get drugs and those who sell them off the streets.

“Legislative changes, combined with police action, enabled the CPS to present the strongest case in court and get Thomas Salton off the hook business and in prison.

“Nitrous oxide is a dangerous drug and hopefully this first conviction will deter anyone thinking of buying or selling it.”