Hundreds of nitrous oxide bottles hidden in shop

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after police recovered more than 100 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles from a convenience store.

Officers said they noticed suspicious activity outside the shop in Wednesbury on Thursday afternoon.

They entered and recovered 126 boxes of nitrous oxide which they said had an estimated value of £15,000, along with a quantity of illicit cigarettes.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs, and bailed pending further inquiries.

"We're taking tough action against high street stores in the West Midlands which are funding organised crime through sales of illicit goods and fuelling anti-social behaviour and violence," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

"Suspected drug dealers have been arrested and thousands of pounds' worth of counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes have been seized as we work with partners including Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration," the force added.

Police said where there was evidence of criminal activity, or links to organised crime, they would seek to secure charges and closure orders on premises.

Anyone with information was urged to contact officers.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.