Three Maltese nationals have received eight-month prison sentences, suspended for two years, after being convicted in connection with a large-scale nitrous oxide distribution scheme in the French Alps. The ruling was delivered by a court in Albertville, which also imposed a €1,000 fine on each man and banned them from entering France for five years.

Prosecutors had sought a one-year effective prison term for each of the accused.

The case relates to a suspected distribution network operating in the Savoy region. The men were charged with possession and transportation of nitrous oxide canisters following their arrest in late January during coordinated police searches.

French authorities said the investigation began after customs officers discovered 13 pallets of nitrous oxide - commonly referred to as laughing gas - stored in industrial units in the Alps. Surveillance operations later identified a vehicle unloading goods near one of the units, while three rental vehicles were observed repeatedly transporting merchandise between the valley and a nearby ski resort. Investigators concluded that an organised distribution system was likely in operation.

Searches of the suspects' vehicles, their apartment, and the storage facility led to the seizure of 6,325 nitrous oxide canisters, with an estimated value of €340,000. Officers also recovered approximately €5,000 and more than £1,000 in cash.

The accused were represented by lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri, alongside French counsel Pierre-Olivier Lambert.