A FORMER Albion footballer was caught with thousands of canisters of laughing gas.

Leon Redwood, 27, who now plays for Lewes FC, admitted having 6,500 canisters of laughing gas with intent to supply - Sussex Police’s biggest ever haul.

He was stopped by officers in July last year after a concerned member of the public spotted a car being driven “suspiciously” in his hometown of Crawley.

Just under 6,500 canisters of nitrous oxide, also known as NOS or laughing gas, were found in his car, alongside balloons and a device which transfers the gas into the balloons.

The 27-year-old appeared in Guildford Magistrates’ Court and was given 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £170 costs.

Redwood played at Championship club Brentford in 2013 after he was released by Brighton and Hove Albion.

He was a reserve team player at the Seagulls and never managed to establish himself in the first team squad.

Tandridge police Borough Commander Dan Gutierrez urged the public to call them if they see anything suspicious.

He said: “Thanks to the member of the public who made the call regarding suspicious activity.

“It just goes to show that if you are concerned about something, to let us know on 101 as, from it and Constable Philip Howells’ stop, we’ve secured a record haul of nitrous oxide.

“While it may be called laughing gas, it is no laughing matter as the possible side and effects can be fatal.

“Our message to drug dealers is clear; you aren’t welcome.

“We will stop you, arrest you and put you before the courts.”

Eight people across the UK died in 2016 after inhaling nitrous oxide, which can lead to the loss of blood pressure, fainting, and heart attacks.

It is warned that prolonged exposure to it could lead to bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.

Lewes FC chairman Stuart Fuller said: “We are aware of the situation and are dealing with the matter internally.”

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