Six people have been arrested and another six are under investigation after the Guardia Civil dismantled an alleged criminal organisation importing, storing and distributing nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, across the south of Tenerife.

The Guardia Civil have seized almost 13 tonnes of nitrous oxide, reported to be the second largest of its kind in Europe, during a major operation codenamed ‘Centro’.

The operation resulted in six arrests in the south of the island, while a further six people are being investigated in connection with an alleged organised network supplying the substance for recreational use.

According to the Guardia Civil, the investigation began after officers became aware of the use of laughing gas by young tourists wanting a ‘quick high’ in bars and clubs, particularly in the Veronicas area of Playa Las Americas.

Raids in Arona, Adeje and Granadilla

Officers carried out four coordinated searches at properties in the municipalities of Arona, Adeje and Granadilla de Abona.

During the raids, they discovered 10,394 containers of nitrous oxide weighing almost 13,000 kilograms, as well as seizing €64,500 in cash.

According to investigators, the organisation was allegedly headed by a family-based leadership group, with separate branches responsible for logistics and receiving shipments from overseas, as well as the final distribution of the gas around the island.

Those arrested and under investigation are suspected of offences including drug trafficking, trafficking substances considered harmful to health, money laundering, and being members of a criminal organisation.

Cocaine, cannabis and other drugs also seized

The raids also resulted in the discovery of a range of illegal drugs and other substances.

Officers seized approximately 213 grams of cocaine, 599 grams of hashish and 1.4 kilograms of marijuana, as well as 46 grams of a substance known as ‘Tusi’, which is typically a mixture of different psychoactive substances.

Pills, mushrooms, capsules and edible products containing cannabinoids were also confiscated.

In addition, officers seized five imitation firearms and eight bladed weapons, including several axes, along with electronic devices and a large quantity of documentation believed to be connected to the investigation.

The investigation was carried out by officers from the Investigation Unit of the Guardia Civil's Playa de las Américas main station, under the direction of the Arona Court and at the request of the specialist anti-drugs prosecutor in Arona.

The operation remains ongoing and the Guardia Civil has confirmed that further arrests have not been ruled out.