A Rotorua vendor who allegedly continued selling nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as nangs, despite repeated warnings is facing up to two years in prison.
Police said the man could also be fined up to $500,000.
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said the retailer showed a “completedisregard for the law” by allegedly continuing to sell the substance “for recreational use” despite multiple police warnings.
“We took a planned prevention approach, and this shows that if retailers ignore us, we will follow through with enforcement action,” he said, adding that around 300 canisters were seized.
Loughrin said the man is the first retailer in the region to be charged under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
He is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow, charged with selling or supplying a non-approved psychoactive product.
Police urged members of the public to report retailers selling nangs by calling 105 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
They also advised people to contact their local council if they find discarded canisters, which can explode if not properly emptied and disposed of as hazardous waste.
