BTP Cop Fired for Snorting Laughing Gas Three Times
Constable Sacked After Nitrous Oxide Scandal
A British Transport Police officer has been slapped with instant dismissal after admitting to inhaling nitrous oxide — aka laughing gas — on three separate occasions while off duty.
PC Muhammad Patel, based in Preston, was grilled over shocking behaviour witnessed in May 2022, February 2023, and again in October 2023. The incidents all took place in a car with others present. Patel didn’t even bother to show up for his public misconduct hearing in York from September 10 to 13.
Dishonesty Made It Worse
The hearing exposed that Patel lied about the February 2023 episode in a written declaration to the Police Standards Department. His story clashed with evidence from Lancashire Police, raising serious questions about his honesty and integrity.
An independent panel found Patel guilty of discreditable conduct and dishonesty, branding his actions as gross misconduct. However, some integrity allegations were not proven.
Police Fuming Over Blown Standards
“Former PC Patel’s behaviour was unacceptable and he was unable to prioritise his duties above other influences,” said PSD Detective Chief Inspector Tracy Goddard-King.
“His actions undermined the high standards in policing and damaged public confidence. He has therefore been dismissed without notice.”
Patel’s disgraceful conduct is a damaging blow to police reputation, serving as a stark warning that officers must uphold the law, even when off the clock.
