On 13/7, Nguyen and seven individuals were temporarily detained by the Criminal Police Department (PC02) of Ho Chi Minh City Police. They face charges of illegal trading, storage, and use of explosive materials.

Suspects in the explosive trafficking ring. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Previously, PC02 detectives had uncovered an inter-provincial ring involved in the illicit trade, transport, storage, and use of explosives, prompting a special investigation. The group exploited mountainous and coastal terrain, along with mineral exploitation and fishing activities, to distribute military-grade explosives.

In late June, the special investigation team simultaneously deployed multiple task forces, catching Nguyen in the act of transporting about 7 kg of suspected TNT explosives to a coastal road area near Cua Lap Bridge (Phuoc Thang Ward, former Ba Ria - Vung Tau) to sell to Le Xuan Duc, 22.

Bomb and mine casings dismantled by the group to extract explosives. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

The investigation identified Le Xuan An, 48, as the person who contacted Nguyen to order 7 kg of TNT explosives for resale to fishing boats and vessels. Upon receiving the "order", Nguyen sought suppliers for the explosives at a price of 400,000 VND per kg.

Lacking sufficient quantity, Nguyen mixed in additional dirt to increase the weight from 6 kg to 7 kg, then transported it by bus from Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City for the transaction. As An was in Khanh Hoa province, he instructed his wife and son, Duc, to receive the goods, where they were apprehended by police.

Based on Nguyen's testimony, investigators expanded the case, arresting more individuals directly involved in dismantling warheads, bombs, and mines to collect explosives for him. Authorities also determined that Nguyen repeatedly supplied explosives to others for use in illegal rock mining operations.

During a search of Nguyen's residence, authorities seized an additional 7 kg of explosives that had not yet been sold.

Evidence seized by police. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

In total, the special investigation team seized 16,1 kg of TNT explosives, two warhead casings, one metal detector, and other related evidence. Forensic analysis confirmed all samples were military-grade explosives with significant destructive power; their illegal storage and trade could lead to severe consequences.

Ho Chi Minh City Police are continuing their investigation to clarify the roles of all individuals involved.

Quoc Thang