On 30/7, the National Market Surveillance Department reported that Market Management Team 9 in Hanoi, in collaboration with police from Dong Anh and Phuc Thinh communes, conducted surprise inspections of two chemical businesses.

At the establishment owned by Tran Minh Khanh (Lot 37, former Dong Anh commune), inspectors discovered 102 metal canisters containing nitrous oxide (N2O) and 170 empty canisters without labels or identifiable origins.

Subsequently, at the premises of Nguyen Duc Nam (96 Son Du, former Phuc Thinh commune), authorities seized an additional 25 N2O canisters and 191 empty metal canisters lacking proper invoices or documentation.

Metal canisters containing nitrous oxide seized by Hanoi market management authorities. Photo: Market Management

Metal canisters containing nitrous oxide seized by Hanoi market management authorities. Photo: Market Management

In total, 127 canisters of nitrous oxide and 361 empty canisters were confiscated for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as "laughing gas," can cause hallucinations and neurological damage if misused. Authorities emphasized the importance of promptly identifying and addressing businesses dealing in chemicals of unknown origin to protect public health and maintain market order within the city.

Thi Ha