On 28/8, Ngoc Anh and 4 others were arrested by the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police Department on charges of trafficking, possessing, and organizing the use of N2O (nitrous oxide) for customers.

Ngoc Anh won the Miss Audition title in 2006, a beauty pageant voted on by gamers. She has also modeled for magazines and hosted several gaming programs.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh (center) and staff. Photo: Police provided

Previously, the Economic Police Department, in coordination with the Saigon Ward Police (former District 1), conducted an administrative inspection of the Lava establishment on Hai Ba Trung Street. They discovered numerous patrons using nitrous oxide. Upon searching the premises, authorities found several metal tanks containing N2O, rubber balloons, and related equipment.

Investigators identified Ngoc Anh as the ringleader, directly managing all illegal activities at the bar. Under her were 4 other individuals responsible for cashiering, managing transactions, and contacting the nitrous oxide supplier when supplies ran low.

Customers at the bar who wished to use nitrous oxide had it pumped into balloons and delivered to their tables by staff. Ngoc Anh procured the illicit substance through social media and had it delivered via ride-hailing services.

To evade police, the bar disguised nitrous oxide purchases as other beverages on their sales software and receipts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are pursuing additional individuals involved.

Recently, Ho Chi Minh City Police have conducted several inspections, uncovering numerous bars and restaurants supplying nitrous oxide to customers.

Quoc Thang