A 19-year-old man from Hounslow has been sentenced after a police raid caught him in possession of more than 3,000 nitrous oxide capsules - also known as laughing gas.

Hashmeet Kapoor was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to possession and intent to supply of psychoactive substances.

The teenager was sentenced at Staines Magistrates Court on Tuesday (April 11).

More than 3,000 capsules of nitrous oxide were discovered during a police raid of Dimons Convenience Store in Frimley Road, Camberley, on February 9.

On March 29, Mr Kapoor was charged with two accounts of possession with intent to supply and one count of supplying a psychoactive substance.

Also known as "laughing gas" or "hippie crack", nitrous oxide was made illegal in May last year under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 - legislation that banned legal highs.

Surrey Heath Neighbourhood Sergeant Michael Knight said: "We are pleased to see a positive result as we believe that this is the first case of a charge under the psychoactive substances act in Surrey.

"We hope that this result is a reminder to owners of licensed premises that if they are caught selling illegal substances, they face prosecution and a review of their premises licence.

"I would also like to reassure Surrey Heath residents that if you suspect any use of illegal substances, we will take your report seriously and it will be acted upon."

If you have information about the use or sale of illegal substances in your area, please contact Police on 101.

Anyone who has information about the use and sale of illegal drugs in their area should report it to police on 101, or to be anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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