Police seize 719 nitrous oxide canisters at seven Ayia Napa venues

On the evening of 4 September, the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) inspected seven venues in Ayia Napa — nightclubs and a kiosk. At three of them, officers found 719 canisters of nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas”, and three cylinders containing the same gas; a small quantity of cocaine was found at another venue.

The operation was carried out by DLEU officers with the support of the Mechanised Immediate Response Unit (MMAD). The items seized have been sent for examination.

In Cyprus, nitrous oxide is classified as a Class B controlled substance, meaning that its sale and possession for recreational use are punishable by law. Police did not report any arrests following the inspection.

This is the second major operation against “laughing gas” in Ayia Napa this season. On 18 July, DLEU, together with the same unit, inspected four venues at the resort and seized 1,423 canisters, 455 balloons and three metal cylinders. Two people were arrested at the time on suspicion of illegally possessing a Class B controlled substance.

The investigation is being continued by the Ayia Napa Police Station together with the DLEU unit for the Famagusta district.