Retailers face charges over nitrous oxide canister sales

Police and health officials raided three retail premises in Christchurch last week and seized nitrous oxide canisters intended for illegal inhalation.

Ministry of Health Group Manager Environmental Health Graeme Gillespie said while most retailers behaved responsibly, those who continued to sell nitrous oxide to be inhaled faced prosecution.

Christchurch police Sergeant Al Lawn said a "commercial quantity" of nitrous oxide canisters was seized in last Thursday's raid.

Mr Lawn said he anticipated charges would be laid.

The Ministry said the seizure followed last month's prosecution of a Christchurch man for unlawfully possessing and supplying the gas, which is regarded as a medicine under the law.

The man pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of a prescription medicine and was jailed for two years and ten months.

- NZPA