(TAP) - The Criminal Police Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Police successfully busted an illegal nitrous oxide (commonly known as 'funky balls') trafficking ring, which was estimated to have generated over 100 billion VND in illicit profits.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department’s official web portal, on July 12th, the Criminal Police Division (PC02) of the HCMC Police successfully dismantled a large-scale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas, or funky balls) trafficking ring operating in the city, led by Trần Tuấn Kiệt (30 years old), a resident of Tân Thuận Ward.
During inspections of entertainment venues such as restaurants and bars in Ho Chi Minh City, the Criminal Police Division (PC02) discovered hundreds of patrons using this banned substance and seized multiple nitrous oxide (N₂O) tanks that had been hidden on-site. The violations were found at the following establishments: Public Luxury (446 Pham Thai Buong Street, Tan Hung Ward), Master SG (134 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ben Thanh Ward), Snug Pub and Wlounge (50 and 56 Ton That Thiep Street, Sai Gon Ward), and CoCo Lounge (89 Hoang Van Thu Street, Thu Dau Mot Ward).
The seized exhibits. Source: Công an TP. Hồ Chí Minh
In addition, the authorities discovered three more locations used for storing and refilling laughing gas in the areas of Phu Thuan Ward, Hung Long Ward, and Nha Be Commune (Ho Chi Minh City). Following inspections, the police confiscated a 22-ton gas tank, more than 1,400 various N₂O cylinders, nearly 100 kilograms of balloon shells, equipment used for gas transfer, and numerous other items related to the case.
Based on preliminary investigation results, the group led by Trần Tuấn Kiệt, along with several owners of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, admitted to purchasing, refilling, and selling nitrous oxide (N₂O). Despite being aware that N₂O is an addictive substance with serious health risks and is strictly prohibited by law for production, trade, and use, the individuals involved knowingly violated the law in pursuit of high profits. It is estimated that since the beginning of 2025, the group has distributed thousands of N₂O canisters to customers, generating a total revenue of approximately 253 billion VND, including over 105 billion VND in illicit profits.
Subject Tran Tuan Kiet. Source: Công an TP. Hồ Chí Minh
Based on the documents and evidence collected, the Ho Chi Minh City Police have issued emergency detention orders for 31 suspects — including members of Trần Tuấn Kiệt’s group, business owners, and other related individuals — for investigation and clarification regarding the charge of “Trading in Prohibited Goods” under Article 190 of the Penal Code, according to the HCMC Police Advisory Division.
According to the Vietnamese press, in recent years, Vietnamese authorities have continuously dismantled numerous smuggling rings trafficking nitrous oxide (N₂O) across the country. Tuổi Trẻ Online has also published several articles reporting on the busts and uncovering of smuggling networks that import thousands of tons of N₂O from abroad into Vietnam, which is then converted into "laughing gas balloons" for sale. It is known that this gas is often imported from China.
Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City Police are continuing to expand the investigation while searching for the remaining suspects to strictly handle them in accordance with the law. The goal is to thoroughly prevent the trafficking and use of laughing gas throughout the city.
Jame Huynh