Ho Chi Minh City police dismantle large illegal military‑grade weapons network

Ho Chi Minh City police announced the seizure of a massive illegal weapons network operating across the city and the southern provinces of Tây Ninh, Đồng Tháp and Vĩnh Long. Between 30 May and 6 June, more than 30 suspects were arrested, including the ring leader Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn (born 1993). The operation uncovered 27 firearms—14 classified as military‑grade—nine guns still being assembled, roughly 100 gun components, about 1,000 rounds of ammunition and extensive metal‑working equipment.

Investigators said the gang used Facebook accounts to post videos of test‑fires and to market the weapons, disguising shipments inside computer‑case boxes and inter‑province passenger‑car parcels, and processing payments through third‑party bank accounts. The same probe also led to the criminal prosecution of seven additional individuals for illegal drug trafficking and use. Authorities are continuing to trace the supply chain for the arms and related narcotics.