Police discovered more than 100 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles after spotting ‘suspicious activity’ outside a store in the Black Country.

Officers on patrol found the canisters inside a shop on Wednesbury High Street.

They recovered 126 boxes of the substance – which is also known as laughing gas – with a street value of around £15,000.

A quantity of illegal cigarettes were also found inside the shop on Thursday, May 21, police said.

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They arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

He has since been bailed pending a further investigation, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said.

They added: “A man has been arrested after patrolling officers recovered over 100 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles from a store in Wednesbury.

“Whilst on patrol yesterday afternoon, officers spotted suspicious activity outside a convenience store on Wednesbury High Street.

“We entered the store and recovered 126 boxes of nitrous oxide bottles which has an estimated street value of £15,000 and a quantity of illicit cigarettes.

“A man, aged 19, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

“He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”

They continued: “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.

“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.

“If there’s evidence of criminal activity, or links to organised crime, then we will always look to secure charges and seek closure orders on premises.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact us and our partners, as the more evidence and intelligence we receive means we all have a better opportunity of combating any illegal activity.

“You can do this via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”