12 Charged in Nitrous Oxide Bust at Phish Concert: Police

A dozen people were charged in a drug bust at the Phish concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion this weekend, according to the Howard County Police Department.

Howard County officers had been patrolling the area around the concert and parking lots Sunday when they saw a group of individuals allegedly working together to sell nitrous oxide, police reported.

“Police believe the suspects are members of an organized group that is known to travel the east coast distributing the drug at concerts,” according to a statement from the Howard County Police Department.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a chemical gas that is mind-altering when inhaled. Hazards of using nitrous oxide include limb spasms, blackouts, altered motor coordination, heart muscle depression and death, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

During their investigation, officers seized 32 nitrous oxide tanks, two vehicles and “large amounts of cash,” Howard County police reported.

As a result, the following individuals were charged with possession, possession with intent to distribute, possession for distribution and paraphernalia possession, according to police:

• James Allen, 52, of Bronx, N.Y.
• Crystal Lynn Allison, 31, of Attleboro, Mass.
• Nathaniel Banks, 23, of Providence, R.I.
• Jose Miguel Curet, 24, of Lancaster, Pa.
• Jim Henry Mackay, 32, of Attleboro, Mass.
• Joseph Mondello, 34, of Manville, R.I.
• Shawn Montrond, 22, of Providence, R.I.
• Joshua Priest, 24, of Manheim, Pa.
• Carmelo Rosario, 25, of Lancaster, Pa.
• Carlos Ruiz, 25, of Bronx, N.Y.
• Victor Santos, 31, of Bronx, N.Y.
• Harry Rodriguez, 22, of Bronx, N.Y.

Police said that Allison, Curet, Priest and Ruiz posted bond, while the rest of the individuals were being held at the Howard County Detention Center with bail set at various amounts, from $5,000 to $10,000.

Using nitrous oxide is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a fine of $500, according to Maryland law.

Distributing it is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 18 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Screenshot from video of Aug. 15 Phish show at Merriweather via YouTube. Nitrous oxide is often inhaled through balloons.