A man is facing a request for four years in prison after appearing before the Audiencia Provincial in Ibiza over alleged drug trafficking and the sale of nitrous oxide in Sant Antoni.

The case concerns events dating back to July 2019, when the accused was allegedly found carrying MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and nitrous oxide products.

The Fiscalía is requesting four years in prison, an €800 fine and additional legal penalties if the court finds the allegations proven.

Case Dates Back to July 2019

According to the prosecution's indictment, the accused was located in Sant Antoni at around 04:20 on the day of the alleged incident.

The man, who was born in Senegal in 1981, was allegedly carrying several different substances that prosecutors say were intended for distribution to third parties.

The case has now reached the Audiencia Provincial in Ibiza, where the prosecution's evidence is being presented.

MDMA, Cocaine and Cannabis

The Fiscalía says officers found 6.38 grams of MDMA in the accused's possession.

The substance was distributed among different tablets and bags, according to the indictment.

The prosecution also lists 1.717 grams of cocaine and 2.84 grams of cannabis among the substances allegedly seized.

The indictment details laboratory analysis of the different samples, including their respective levels of purity and the value attributed to them on the illicit market.

32 Nitrous Oxide Canisters

The prosecution also alleges that the accused was carrying 32 metal canisters of nitrous oxide.

According to the indictment, he also had balloons intended for inhaling the gas and a manual dispenser.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has become the subject of repeated public-health and criminal proceedings in Ibiza in recent years.

In this case, the Fiscalía alleges that the equipment was connected with the supply of the gas.

Prosecution Alleges Intended Sale

The central allegation concerning the drugs is that they were not intended solely for personal use but for sale to other people.

That allegation is contained in the prosecution's case and will have to be assessed by the court.

The quantities, packaging and other evidence presented by investigators form part of the evidence the Fiscalía intends to rely upon.

No finding of guilt has been established at this stage.

Two Alleged Public-Health Offences

The Fiscalía considers the alleged conduct to constitute two separate offences against public health.

The first concerns the alleged possession and trafficking of drugs under Article 368 of Spain's Criminal Code.

The prosecution classifies the drugs involved as substances that cause serious harm to health.

The second allegation concerns Article 359, which applies to the unauthorised preparation, supply or sale of substances considered harmful to health.

Four-Year Prison Request

The prosecution is asking the court to impose four years of imprisonment.

It is also seeking an €800 fine, with subsidiary personal liability in the event of non-payment.

The Fiscalía is additionally requesting special disqualification from standing for public office for the duration of any prison sentence imposed.

These are the penalties requested by the prosecution, not a sentence already imposed by the court.

Prosecutors Cite Health Risks

The Fiscalía's indictment also sets out the health risks it associates with recreational nitrous oxide use.

According to the prosecution, exposure to high concentrations can cause asphyxia, while lower concentrations may produce dizziness, headaches, nausea and loss of coordination.

The indictment further refers to potential consequences associated with prolonged administration, including anaemia and neuropathy.

These descriptions form part of the prosecution's legal argument concerning the alleged supply of the substance.

Ibiza Has Seen Repeated Nitrous Oxide Cases

The case comes against a wider backdrop of criminal proceedings involving recreational nitrous oxide sales in Ibiza.

The Fiscalía's annual report has previously highlighted the prevalence of street sales of nitrous oxide on the island and the resulting criminal proceedings under Article 359 of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution has said that recreational use can pose health risks, particularly when the gas is inhaled through balloons without appropriate medical controls.

Evidence to Be Presented in Court

The prosecution has indicated that it intends to rely on several forms of evidence.

These include the questioning of the accused, testimony from Guardia Civil officers and expert reports analysing the substances seized.

The court will assess that evidence together with any evidence and arguments presented by the defence.

No Conviction Has Been Reported

The proceedings concern allegations dating from 2019.

The fact that the man is facing prosecution does not establish that he committed the offences alleged.

The court must determine whether the evidence proves the prosecution's case and whether the alleged conduct meets the legal requirements of the offences charged.

Any final sentence will depend on the court's judgment.

What Happens in the Case

The hearing before the Audiencia Provincial in Ibiza marks the latest stage in a case that began with the alleged seizure of drugs and nitrous oxide in Sant Antoni more than seven years ago.

The prosecution is seeking four years in prison and an €800 fine.

The court will now consider the evidence presented by the Fiscalía and the defence before reaching its decision.

Until that decision is issued, the allegations against the accused remain allegations and not established facts.