Police seized 60 nitrous oxide canisters and arrested two men during a raid on a Rusholme business Wednesday night, marking the latest crackdown on the recently outlawed substance.

Officers from Longsight joined Trading Standards and Manchester City Council’s anti-social behaviour team to execute a warrant at the Wilmslow Road premises, where they also impounded a vehicle believed used in storing and supplying the drug. A 41-year-old and 60-year-old remain in custody on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

“This was an intelligence-led operation, resulting in controlled drugs being seized alongside the vehicle,” Inspector Mark Cheston of the Longsight Neighbourhood Team said. “Our partners at Greater Manchester Fire Service also attended the premises to conduct a safety survey following some concerns over the safety of the premises.”

The council emphasized their zero-tolerance stance on illegal drug sales. “The sale of potentially harmful products to the public is an issue we and GMP take very seriously, and this seizure demonstrates the important work that our Trading Standards officers carry out on a daily basis,” said Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods. “We hope this sends the message the sale and storage of illegal goods will not be tolerated.”

Nitrous oxide became a Class C controlled substance earlier this year, making possession and supply illegal. The joint investigation remains active.

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