Vietnamese police bust laughing gas trafficking ring with $1 million in turnover

Vietnamese police have initiated criminal proceedings against five individuals involved in a significant illegal nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, trafficking operation in Ho Chi Minh City. The Economic Crime Police Division announced on May 23 that the suspects face charges of "trading in prohibited goods."

The network employed sophisticated methods, including assigned roles, multiple communication channels, and covert exchanges, to evade detection. Since early 2025, the group had amassed substantial revenue, with total transactions exceeding 20 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $970,000) and illicit profits nearing 2 billion dong.

Authorities emphasized that nitrous oxide poses serious risks to public health and fuels criminal activity and social problems. They stated that dismantling this network is crucial for maintaining public order and curbing the illegal sale and use of laughing gas within the city. Medical experts warn that frequent use can lead to severe health issues, including nerve damage, memory loss, psychiatric disorders, and even death from overdose, with young people being particularly vulnerable due to its common use in entertainment settings.

Police are urging the public to adhere to the law and refrain from engaging in any illegal activities related to nitrous oxide. Parents are also advised to closely monitor their children for signs of stimulant use to prevent harmful consequences.

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N2O poses significant risks to public health and gives rise to criminal activity and social vices, adding that dismantling the network would help maintain public order and curb the illegal sale and use of laughing gas in the city.