Wuppertal authorities seize record 144 tons of nitrous oxide

Customs investigators in Wuppertal, Germany, have seized approximately 144 tons of nitrous oxide, a substance commonly used as a party drug. The discovery, consisting of roughly 500 pallets, was made in a warehouse in the Varresbeck district following a routine truck inspection.

The investigation began when officials encountered nitrous oxide during a standard vehicle check, which led them to the storage facility. The Technical Relief Agency (THW) was called in to assist with the secure removal of the massive quantity of the substance. While the search was conducted on behalf of the Wuppertal Public Prosecutor's Office, no arrests have been made at this stage, though investigations into the warehouse owner are reportedly underway.

Nitrous oxide is subject to regulations under the Psychoactive Substances Act, which prohibits mail-order sales and commercial production. Authorities noted that the scale of this find is unprecedented, as typical investigations usually only involve individual canisters.