Laughing gas trafficking ring: nearly 1,000 canisters seized

Dao An Cuong and 10 accomplices were involved in transporting and selling nearly 1,000 N2O gas canisters from the Quang Ninh border region to Nghe An and Bac Ninh.

Dao An Cuong, 42, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for trafficking and transporting prohibited goods by the Nghe An People's Court on 28/8. Ten other defendants received sentences ranging from one year to two years and six months for the same crime.

The indictment detailed that from 12/2025 to 14/1, an individual known as "Long Ca," whose identity remains unconfirmed, utilized social media to establish a network. This network facilitated the purchase and transport of N2O gas from the Quang Ninh border region for distribution inland.

Cuong, who was the director of a transport company, was part of this ring along with 10 others. On 12/1, "Long Ca" directed two individuals to move 400 N2O canisters, valued at nearly 170 million dong. They transported these from the Ka Long River bank in the Mong Cai area to a collection point on a eucalyptus hill in Quang Duc commune, Quang Ninh province. The payment for this transport was 120 million dong.

The next day, the operation continued with 536 canisters, valued at over 226 million dong, being delivered to Nghe An. Simultaneously, 400 canisters, valued at over 169 million dong, were transported to Bac Ninh.

Upon receiving the shipments, three defendants arranged for their distribution and sale. The entire trafficking ring was dismantled in mid-January.