Overview

• Leeds Crown Court sentenced Benjamin Richardson to six years and two months, Thomas Richardson to five years and eight months, and Carl Messen to three years and two months.
• A 12-week trial found the group imported about 91,350,000 canisters between May 2016 and December 2018 after the ban on supply for psychoactive use.
• The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance, money laundering and possessing criminal cash.
• Companies with catering-style names such as Worldwide Coffee Traders and Barista Distribution were found to trade solely in nitrous oxide.
• Investigators traced more than £16.7 million through their accounts, including over £12 million in cash deposits, and authorities said proceeds-of-crime recovery is ongoing.