China dismantles massive laughing gas distribution network

Chinese authorities have dismantled a massive laughing gas distribution network spanning multiple provinces, arresting 48 people and confiscating 7.2 metric tons of the substance.

The operation, conducted by the narcotics control bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, the anti-drug brigade at the public security bureau of Ningxia Hui autonomous region, and police departments in Chongqing and provinces of Shaanxi and Sichuan, was launched on March 1, 2022, following a tip that laughing gas was being illegally sold at a livestock farm in Tongxin county, Ningxia.

Investigators found that the criminal gang, headed by a suspect surnamed Su from Tongxin, had registered a company and installed storage tanks and packaging equipment at the livestock farm. The gang had purchased large amounts of laughing gas on six occasions.

The investigation revealed that the gang was part of a larger distribution network spanning multiple provinces. A special task force was formed to handle the investigation, and operatives split into multiple teams to investigate the network in Chongqing and provinces of Sichuan, Henan, and Shaanxi.

With the help of local police forces, the task force successfully dismantled three illegal laughing gas distribution networks. In November 2022, the task force apprehended Su and four others in Ningxia. They also seized 326 storage bottles, seven filling stations, one filling pump, and one storage tank along with 7.2 tons of laughing gas.

In April 2023, following the dismantling of the distribution network in Sichuan, the entire criminal chain was wiped out. A total of six criminal groups involved in the manufacturing and distribution of laughing gas in Ningxia, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Chongqing were dismantled, and 48 people were arrested.

The main individuals implicated in the case have been transferred to the prosecution authorities.

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a legal substance used for medical and industrial purposes. However, it is also a recreational drug that can be dangerous if used improperly.