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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Geoffrey Bennett

Balloon salesman's bid to sell nitrous oxide in Bristol is popped by police

A salesman was caught red handed by police selling balloons full of nitrous oxide. Ansil Mahmood was spotted in King Street by plain-clothes police officers and arrested.

Today, Mahmood, of Belle Vue Road in Easton, pleaded guilty to possessing a psychoactive substance with intent to supply in November last year. He appeared before Bristol Crown Court for sentence.

Judge Edward Burgess KC handed the 46-year-old a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. He told Mahmood: "You have a long record before the court, I hope I don't have to see you again."

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Mahmood was told to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work. He was also ordered to participate in thinking skills sessions. Michael Hall, prosecuting, said plain-clothes police spotted Mahmood in King Street, speaking to a group of people. He was seen to produce a deflated balloon and fill it with a device used for expressing nitrous oxide, a psychoactive substance.

Police watched on as a man seemed to pass him cash. The man then inhaled the contents of the balloon.

The court heard Mahmood asked the plain-clothes police if they would like to buy balloons. They declined, but followed him to a car and arrested him on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a psychoactive substance, giving him a caution to which he made no significant reply.

A search of the vehicle revealed:

  • 7 boxes of nitrous oxide canisters
  • 2 sealed bags of unused balloons
  • 2 carrier bags full of used balloons
  • 1 nitrous oxide dispenser partially concealed in material

Also found on Mahmood's person were loose balloons and canisters and £10 in cash, and an iPhone on the driver’s seat. He was then taken to Patchway Custody Centre where his detention was authorised.

A search of his home uncovered further packs of unused balloons, a ledger of locations, amounts of money, and dates as well as £300 in cash and a list of contacts and phone numbers.

Mahmood made no comment in interview. He denied supplying nitrous oxide canisters and said a list of names which police found had nothing to do with him.

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