Retailer charged with illegal sale of nangs, 300 canisters seized

A retailer in Rotorua has been charged and more than 300 canisters of "nangs" have been seized as police vowed to crack down on the recreational use of nitrous oxide.

Police last week said there was a spike in incidents involving drivers inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as nangs, nos, and laughing gas.

"We are now seeing an increase in the use of nitrous oxide as a factor in a number of serious crashes, include some crashes where people have died," Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny said at the time.

District Commander Superintendent Will Loughrin today said a retailer had been charged with allegedly selling nangs – the first such prosecution in the Rotorua district.

Penny said the retailer had shown "complete disregard for the law and has persisted in selling this substance for recreational use".

The retailer had been spoken to by police on "several" occasions but had "refused to heed our warnings", Loughrin said.

He is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow charged with allegedly selling or supplying a non-approved psychoactive product.

If convicted, the man faced a fine of up to $500,000 or a maximum term of two years' imprisonment.

More than 300 canisters have been taken out of circulation, Loughrin added.

"I hope that any other retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use will note this and think again."

Last year, a coroner's report revealed a driver at fault in a 2024 crash was "significantly impaired" by nitrous oxide when they crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic in Waikato.

It caused a head-on crash that left five people dead.

Police said last week that investigations into other incidents are continuing, and the risks of misusing nitrous oxide are "clear and grave".

"Inhaling nitrous oxide can rapidly cause dizziness, confusion and blackouts," it said.

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Anyone who sees discarded canisters in public has been advised to contact their local council for safe advice about its safe disposal as they can explode if not emptied and disposed of properly as a hazardous substance.

Anyone who is aware of a retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use has been asked to contact police on 105 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.