Police raided a house in south Manchester and discovered an astonishing 50,000 nitrous oxide capsules.

Officers executed a warrant in Fallowfield after receiving intelligence reports from ‘various sources’ over illegal activity in the property.

Inside they found at 700 boxes each containing at least 600 capsules and ‘associated paraphernalia’.

No other drugs were found at the address.

Fallowfield police said no arrests have yet been made, however one person found inside the property will attend for a voluntary interview.

A multi-agency investigation has now been launched.

Nitrous oxide - also known as ‘laughing gas’ - is a chemical gas being used increasingly as a cheap recreational drug.

The gas is usually inhaled with the aid of balloons and can leave users feeling euphoric and relaxed or cause them to experience hallucinations..

There is also a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur when using nitrous oxide.

The warrant, issued under the Section 39 of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, was issued on Thursday, January 26.

Officers said this is their second ‘significant’ haul of capsules found since the new legislation was introduced last year to combat the craze.

(Image: UGC MEN)

Other capsules were found at another address in fallowfield in November last year.

GMP Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme and Burnage posted on Facebook: “On Thursday 26th January a warrant was conducted under Section 39 of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 in Fallowfield.

“This warrant was executed following various intelligence submissions received via various sources including Crimestoppers.

“A significant number of items were seized, including what appears to be in excess of 50,000 Nitrous oxide capsules.

“A criminal investigation is underway and various other external agencies including Her Majesties Revenue and Customs, Inland Revenue and Trading Standards will be working together to bring those responsible for this illegal activity to justice.”