Spain busts international 'laughing gas' smuggling ring

Spanish police said Friday they have smashed an international ring suspected of smuggling nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," and contraband tobacco.

Officers confiscated 5,184 litres of nitrous oxide from a warehouse and the home of the suspected owner of the trucks used by the ring in the southern province of Malaga, police said in a statement.

Police also seized more than 2.5 million contraband cigarettes from a truck in the eastern province of Alicante while members of the group were unloading the cargo, the statement added.

Authorities said the network, composed of Spanish and Eastern European nationals, used legitimate shipments to France and other European countries to transport the nitrous oxide and contraband tobacco.

Seven suspected members of the network were arrested.

Nitrous oxide is used medically as an anesthetic in dentistry and medicine. Recreational use, which produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and dissociation from reality, has grown in popularity, particularly among young people.

Health officials warn that misuse can cause neurological damage and, in large quantities, death.

Several European countries have introduced bans or strict controls on its recreational use.