Customs make multiple arrests in nitrous oxide seizures
12.00pm 04 May 2026
Customs has arrested three men in Auckland for the alleged illegal importation of nitrous oxide, drug utensils and illicit tobacco, found in a sea cargo consignment of goods.
The men (aged 35, 39 and 44) appeared in Manukau District Court on Thursday (30 April 2026), on a range of charges relating to the importation and possession of prohibited goods, and defrauding Customs revenue. Further arrests and charges have not been ruled out.
In March 2026, Customs intercepted a sea cargo container at the Port of Auckland with approximately 1,600 three-litre canisters of nitrous oxide, 21,400 methamphetamine utensils and 219 kilograms of illicit tobacco that had been sent from China.
On Friday (1 May, 2026), Customs investigators, with support from Police, executed search warrants at the three defendants’ business premises across the suburbs of Botany, Massey, and Warkworth.
Acting Chief Customs Officer Fraud and Prohibition, Kylie Campbell, says these arrests send a clear message to those attempting to import prohibited goods for illicit purposes.
“Nitrous oxide is a harmful product when it is diverted for recreational use. Large-scale illegal importation poses real risks to communities, particularly young people, and can contribute to wider drug-related harm.
“Last week’s changes to the law will further strengthen the controls on the importation of nitrous oxide, and Customs is already actively enforcing those requirements at the border.
“Working closely with Police and other partners, our role is to stop prohibited and harmful goods before they enter New Zealand and to disrupt those seeking to profit from them.”
Customs urges the public to remain vigilant and help play a part in stopping criminal activity. Suspicions about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Government is taking further steps to tighten controls on nitrous oxide including a new import restriction. See the Ministry of Health website.