By James Simons-
A drug dealer who had been jailed for possessing Christmas party bags containing laughing gas alongside balloons and Candy Canes.
Thomas Salton, 30, (pictured) from Brentwood in Essex, had “party bags” filled with canisters of the banned nitrous oxide, ketamine, balloons and candy canes.
Police said that Salton was planning to supply a Christmas party with these drugs. Among the seized items was a ‘naughty and nice’ list of customers who wanted party bags with drugs in and those who did not.
When police stopped his Range Rover on December 1 last year, they found 60 small canisters of the Class C drug, 48 one-gram bags of ketamine and £39,000 in cash. Also in the car was a “naughty” and “nice” list of customers, with gift bags for those on the naughty list.
More nitrous oxide cannisters and ketamine were later found at a property Salton was renting 10 miles from his home.
He further admitted possessing ketamine with intent to supply, possession of a class A drug and possessing criminal property, in relation to the cash, according to the CPS.“
He was sentenced to 35 months in prison at Basildon Crown Court on Monday after admitting to possessing nitrous oxide with intent to supply, possessing ketamine with intent to supply, possession of a class A drug and possessing criminal property, in relation to the cash.
The change in the law coupled with the actions of the police has allowed the CPS to present the strongest case in court and put Thomas Salton out of business and into prison. Nitrous oxide is a dangerous drug and hopefully this first conviction will deter those thinking of buying or selling it.”