On 23/5, Do and 34 other individuals were prosecuted and detained by the Investigation Police Agency Office (PC01) of Ho Chi Minh City Police, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy, for illegal storage and trading of toxic substances.
Police raid a cyanide trafficking ring. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police
The extensive investigation began after Ho Chi Minh City Police received information on 29/4 regarding the death of a man in Bau Bang commune (formerly Binh Duong), suspected of dying by suicide from poison. Initial findings confirmed the victim died from cyanide poisoning, prompting authorities to trace the source of the deadly substance.
Through diligent investigation, authorities discovered the victim had ordered the toxic substance via Facebook from Diep Thai Thanh Lam. Expanding their inquiry, police determined Lam had also traded cyanide with many other individuals, revealing a larger network at play. Recognizing the extremely dangerous nature of this highly toxic chemical, Ho Chi Minh City Police established a special task force to dismantle the operation.
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Nguyen Van Do at the investigative agency. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police
Nguyen Van Do, primarily residing in Cambodia, was identified as the ringleader of the trafficking operation. Over 200 officers and soldiers were mobilized, tracking the network for 15 consecutive days and nights to completely dismantle the illegal cyanide trafficking and trading ring operated by Do, which moved the substance from Cambodia to Vietnam.
Investigators accused the group of organizing the cross-border transportation of several tons of cyanide for distribution. In March and April alone, Do's ring transported over 2,4 tons of cyanide, with approximately 1,7 tons already sold on the market. The group exploited cyberspace for transactions and to conceal their criminal activities, making their apprehension a complex task.
During the operation, police seized 1,3 tons of cyanide, over 2 billion VND in cash, numerous land use right certificates, and oto used to transport the toxic substance. The case is currently under further investigation, with authorities working to uncover additional details and potential accomplices.
Ho Chi Minh City Police leaders stated that breaking the case prevented a large quantity of highly toxic substances from potentially spreading into society, affirming the force's determination during the 45-day intensive crime suppression campaign. “Citizens must absolutely not buy, sell, store, or illegally use cyanide in any form. All such acts will be severely punished,” Ho Chi Minh City Police advised, emphasizing the severe legal consequences for involvement in such illicit activities.
Quoc Thang
