On 26/3, Cuong, Phan Thanh Dat (24), and Nguyen Thi Van (28) were temporarily detained by the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department's Economic Police Division for illegal trading of prohibited goods.

Huynh Duc Cuong (white shirt) and two accomplices. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Five days prior, in the early morning, police raided a house on Le Van Khuong Street, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward (formerly District 12), discovering 30 laughing gas cylinders along with numerous balloons and filling valves. Expanding the investigation, authorities seized dozens more gas cylinders, weighing over 300 kg.

Investigators identified Cuong as the ringleader, who set up a professional laughing gas distribution system through social media. He directly negotiated sales, received payments via bank transfers, and coordinated deliveries.

Cuong hired Dat to handle the packaging and transport of hundreds of orders directly to customers. Van acted as an intermediary, purchasing goods from Cuong for resale and profit.

Bank statement data from the group revealed that the total illegal transaction amount reached over 10 billion dong.

The suspects and exhibits. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The Ho Chi Minh City Police warns that all acts of buying, selling, or using N2O for recreational purposes are strictly prohibited. This gas causes serious harm to the nervous system and long-term health of users.

The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Nhat Vy