Hanoi police dismantle large-scale nitrous oxide trafficking ring

Hanoi Criminal Police have dismantled a large-scale illegal trafficking ring involving nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as “laughing gas.” On July 12, 2026, authorities arrested and prosecuted nine individuals for “trafficking prohibited goods” under Article 190 of the Penal Code.

Investigations revealed that between December 2025 and the time of discovery, the group distributed 10,488 canisters of 5.5kg N2O, generating approximately 10.6 billion VND in profit. Law enforcement seized 888 unused canisters during the initial investigation and an additional 800 canisters hidden inside an Isuzu truck used by suppliers Cao Hoang Long and Hoang Van Trieu.

The suspects include Le Quoc Viet, Dinh Bat Hoang Kim, Nguyen Danh Manh, Le Ba Manh, Pham Ngoc Tai, Nguyen Van Hieu, Nguyen Van Quy, Cao Hoang Long, and Hoang Van Trieu. The police are continuing to expand the investigation to identify further individuals and organizations involved in the illegal trade.