Five retailers are facing prosecution for the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as nangs, for recreational use following recent police operations across the North Island.
Police said the retailers have been charged under the Psychoactive Substances Act after controlled purchase operations in New Plymouth, Hāwera, Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Levin found the substance was being sold unlawfully.
The offences carry penalties of up to $500,000 in fines or a maximum term of two years’ imprisonment. Those charged will be summonsed to appear in court in the coming weeks.
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the prosecutions were disappointing, given police had already engaged with retailers about their legal obligations.
"It's great that we are holding retailers to account for breaking the law, and at the same time it's really disappointing and frustrating," he said.
Police had previously visited the retailers and provided information outlining the rules around the sale of nitrous oxide, ensuring they understood it could not be sold for recreational use.
"We have engaged with them and given them information to make sure they understood the rules around the sale of this substance," Bennett said.
"They have assured us they do."
There are calls for urgent reform, amid an increase in the amount of nitrous oxide being imported. (Source: 1News)
Bennett said police later tested compliance through controlled purchase operations, similar to those used to monitor alcohol sales.
"They have come up short and clearly chosen to break the rules. There are no excuses," he said.
Police say further enforcement activity was planned over the coming months and warned retailers against continuing to flout the law.
"We will bring prosecutions against any retailers who continue to flout the law at the expense of the community for their own personal gain," Bennett said.'
Police concerned by growing number of drivers using nangs
Assistant Police Commissioner Tusha Penny said last month there was growing concern over drivers consuming the gas behind the wheel.
"Only two weeks ago one of our district commanders was driving in a marked car with one of the constables talking about this very issue," she said.
"The constable said turn to your right and there you had a passenger and a driver huffing out of a balloon."
The Coroner found a driver who crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on crash that killed five people in the Waikato region in 2024, was "significantly impaired" by her use of nitrous oxide.
Ministry of Health chief medical officer Dr Joe Bourne said that has potential to cause adverse health effects.
"It can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, impairment of your functioning and where we're concerned is we're hearing from the police that it's being used alongside other drugs and alcohol and wherever you combine two drugs it accentuates the negative effects that it can have," Bourne said.
Anyone aware of retailers selling nitrous oxide for recreational use should contact police on 105.
SHARE ME