Barry stores found selling nitrous oxide cannisters, illegal tobacco to young people

Nitrous oxide canisters were allegedly sold illegally to young people from premises in Barry, along with cigarettes, vapes and tobacco.

According to local reports, over £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes were seized from three shops in Barry, along with £4,000 in cash. So far there have been no arrests, but police say enquiries are on-going.

Barry neighbourhood policing team say they are now cracking down on the sale of illegal contraband to children in a war that is raging in the town.

Police say they seized this latest stash of items from shops on April 21.

Sergeant Jake Rollnick, from the Barry Neighbourhood Policing Team, said this behaviour has serious effects on communities.

Sergeant Jake Rollnick said: “This operation was carried out in response to concerns from the community about individuals selling illegal cigarettes, vapes, tobacco, and nitrous oxide canisters, to young people and others, from premises in Barry.

“The illegal sale of such items not only has health implications but also has associated anti-social behaviour and criminality.”

Known as laughing gas or NOS, nitrous oxide canister use soared during the pandemic and it is presently one of the most-used drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK.

The gas can make people relaxed, giggly, light-headed or dizzy. It can also cause headaches and make users anxious or paranoid. Too much nitrous oxide can make a person faint or lose consciousness, and can lead to B12 deficiency, which can cause neurological damage.