Police searches of kiosks in the Famagusta district on Wednesday night yielded quantities of ‘laughing gas’ paraphernalia and a haul of illegal duty-free cigarettes.

At one kiosk, police and customs officials found 101 metal ampoules which are being investigated to see if they contain nitrous oxide – or ‘laughing gas’ – a metal canister, and 47 balloons connected with its use. The 41-year-old manager of the premises was arrested.

Investigations were also carried out at two other kiosks in the area where duty-free tobacco products were seized.

At one, 82 boxes of 200 duty-free cigarettes and 19 boxes of 200 heated cigarettes were located and seized. The 30-year-old manager was given an out-of-court fine.

At another kiosk further duty-free products were found and the 40-year-old manager also given an out-of-court fine.