A bar owner has been arrested following police inspections at two nightlife venues in Las Verónicas, after officers discovered large quantities of suspected drugs and nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

The operation was carried out by the National Police in collaboration with Arona Local Police on the 24th and 25th May as part of routine inspections and crime prevention efforts.

During a search of the first venue, officers reportedly found a range of substances prepared for sale in an area accessible only to staff. The seized items included packages believed to contain cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, ecstasy, pink cocaine and marijuana.

At a second premises, police discovered 12 balloon gas dispensers and five boxes of nitrous oxide containing a total of 2,376 single-use capsules. Nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug, particularly among younger people, despite health warnings linking its misuse to serious neurological damage and, in extreme cases, death.

As a result of the operation, the owner of one of the establishments was arrested on suspicion of an offence against public health relating to drug trafficking.

Arona Local Police also carried out administrative inspections at both venues to check compliance with local regulations. The findings have been referred to the relevant department at Arona Town Hall for further review.

Las Verónicas, located in Playa de las Américas, is one of the most popular nightlife areas in the Canary Islands and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The police operation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal drug distribution and improve safety in entertainment districts.