# Nitrous oxide trafficking ring in Hanoi

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nitrous-oxide-trafficking-ring-in-hanoi
> Updated: 2026-08-29T08:55:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Hanoi Criminal Police dismantled a large-scale illegal trafficking ring involving nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as ‘laughing gas.’ 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 discovery of the ring, 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. Police are continuing to expand the investigation to identify further individuals and organizations involved in the illegal trade.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Thanh Hoa police investigate group for illegal drug use

Police in Thanh Hoa are investigating a group of individuals, including Ngo Thi Huong and Pham Nhu Quynh, for organizing and participating in illegal methamphetamine use.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thanh-hoa-police-investigate-group-for-illegal-drug-use

### 2026-08-28: Hanoi police dismantle large-scale nitrous oxide trafficking ring

Hanoi police dismantled an illegal nitrous oxide trafficking ring, arresting nine suspects and seizing over 1,600 canisters with an estimated profit of 10.6 billion VND.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-police-dismantle-large-scale-nitrous-oxide-trafficking-ring

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Cite as: Nitrous oxide trafficking ring in Hanoi. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nitrous-oxide-trafficking-ring-in-hanoi