Manchester 'Gas Man' caught with thousands of Nitrous Oxide canisters

Laughing gas sold to students

Published 13th Nov 2017

A man nicknamed the 'Manchester Gas Man' has been sentenced for selling nitrous Oxide to students.

Police found over 40,000 canisters at Zubair Iftikhar's home in Fallowfeidl when they carried out a raid in January.

They also found printed business cards and hooded tops advertising his illegal business with the moniker 'Manchester Gas Man'.

Nitrous oxide was banned under Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

The 31-year-old was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today (13 November) after admitting possession with intent to supply.

Brett Gerrity is a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West:

“Zubair Iftikar was dealing in large amounts of nitrous oxide from his home which was situated in the centre of Manchester University student accommodation.

“Even after the change in legislation he sold the drugs to local students. He had tens of thousands of canisters in his house and car as well as promotional items advertising them.

“He initially denied that he had continued to sell the canisters after the law had changed but once faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, he pleaded guilty to the charges he faced.”

Iftikar was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also given a community order with a requirement to complete 220 hours unpaid wor