A 56-year-old man has been arrested for selling nitrous oxide in Sant Antoni, sparking concern over public safety in busy tourist areas.

What Happened

Agents from the Guardia Civil’s Reserve and Security Unit caught the man offering nitrous oxide to people near a beach club in Sant Antoni de Portmany. When he noticed the officers, he tried to escape along the promenade and threw away a bottle of nitrous oxide.

He was quickly detained. Officers later found two more bottles and two plastic bags, each with 100 balloons ready for inhalation. The suspect has now been placed before judicial authorities. The nitrous oxide arrest in Sant Antoni highlights how easily the substance circulates in nightlife zones.

Context And Previous Interventions

This arrest adds to a series of operations in the town. Earlier in May, eight people were detained in Sant Antoni for selling nitrous oxide in nightlife hotspots such as the West End and Passeig de la Mar. These efforts aim to reduce health risks and public order problems linked to recreational use.

In August, the large-scale “Zulú-Bravo” operation saw 116 arrests across Ibiza. Of those, 34 were related to nitrous oxide distribution. Sant Antoni alone recorded around 400 drug-related warnings during the same period.

Why It Matters

The repeated nitrous oxide arrest in Sant Antoni incidents show the ongoing challenge for authorities. Although nitrous oxide is legal for culinary use, inhaling it can damage health and fuel antisocial behaviour in party settings. Local leaders and law enforcement face mounting pressure to tighten controls and penalties before the next tourist season.