3 Maltese Arrested In France After 6,300 Bottles Of Laughing Gas Found

Three Maltese nationals have been arrested in the French Alps after authorities uncovered a large haul of nitrous oxide at a ski resort in southern France.

The arrests took place in the Savoie region and were confirmed by the French Gendarmerie, which said the operation led to the dismantling of a suspected drug trafficking ring.

More than 6,300 bottles of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, were seized during the investigation.

Although the substance is legally used as an anaesthetic in medical settings, it is banned for recreational use in several parts of France. The seized bottles are estimated to have a street value of over €340,000.

The three men appeared before the Criminal Court in Albertville earlier this week but requested a postponement to prepare their defence. They are expected to return to court on 23 February and remain under arrest in the meantime.

Investigators believe the gas was concealed inside 13 boxes hidden in a container rented in the village of Bourg Saint Maurice.

French security forces had reportedly been monitoring the suspects for at least two days before following them to the ski resort of Les Arcs, where they were later found in possession of similar bottles.

The men have been charged with involvement in drug trafficking. While nitrous oxide has been illegal in parts of France since 2021, it remains legal in Malta.

#MaltaDaily