A former Brentford FC footballer has been convicted after one call to 101 led to the largest seizure of nitrous oxide in Surrey Police’s history.

Leon Redwood, 27, of Commonwealth Drive in Crawley, pled guilty to possessing psychoactive substances with intent to supply at Guildford Magistrates Court on January 11.

The semi-professional footballer was stopped by officers in July and, following a search, just under 6,500 canisters of nitrous oxide – also known as NOS or laughing gas – were found.

These were alongside balloons and a device which is used to transfer the gas into balloons.

It came after a member of a public called the force to report a car being driven “suspiciously” in Crawley, which was then stopped in Lingfield.

Redwood, who was at Championship club Brentford for a year up until 2013, was sentenced to 60 hours of unpaid work and must pay an £85 victim surcharge alongside £85 in costs.

The defender signed for the Bees on a free transfer in August 2012 after being released by now-Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

He is last known to have played for non-league club Lewes FC.

Tandridge Borough Commander Dan Gutierrez 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 effects can be fatal.

“Our message to drug dealers is clear; you aren’t welcome in Surrey. We will stop you, arrest you and put you before the courts.”

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

The force warns that prolonged exposure to it could lead to bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.

It says these risks can be made worse if the exposure to gas is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.