On 16/7, the Quang Ninh Provincial Police Investigation Agency temporarily detained four women: Nguyen Thi To Nga (33, from Thanh Hoa), Trieu Thi Thuy Nga (19, from Lao Cai), Hoang Phuong Lan (22, from Lai Chau), and Nguyen Thi Thu Hien (21, from Quang Ninh). They are being investigated for illegal drug trafficking and organizing illegal drug use.

The arrests followed an administrative check at a house in Hai Hoa 8 residential area, Mong Cai 1 ward. Police discovered To Nga was storing numerous plastic bottles containing Etomidate and essential oils. Authorities also seized 36 pods already filled with Etomidate, 17 electronic cigarette bodies, 420 empty pods, and various tools for mixing and transferring substances.

According to statements, since early 2026, To Nga became acquainted with a Chinese individual named Shino through social connections. Shino instructed her on how to mix Etomidate with chemical essential oils and then inject it into pods for sale. Investigating authorities determined that Hoang Phuong Lan, Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, and Trieu Thi Thuy Nga assisted To Nga in the retail sale of these drugs.

Nguyen Thi To Nga and evidence from the case. *Photo: Police provided*

The group conducted all transactions via anonymous social media accounts, using cash on delivery (COD) services to ship goods and evade authorities. Besides selling drugs, To Nga and her accomplices also repeatedly gathered to organize the illegal use of Etomidate.

Etomidate is a sedative used in medicine. When abused, it can cause severe drowsiness, respiratory failure, hypotension, confusion, coma, and even death. Since early 2026, Etomidate has been added to Vietnam's list of narcotics.

Le Tan