Police in Ho Chi Minh City dismantle a supply network of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, centered around Buì Viện Street.

In the bustling nightlife entertainment district of Bùi Viện–Bến Thành in Ho Chi Minh City, authorities have taken action against two establishments, 'Nameless' and 'Bosin', for selling prohibited laughing gas.

According to the HCM City Police Investigation Agency, the suspects involved in the sale of laughing gas at these businesses have confessed to their actions. The sale of this substance, which is banned for commercial use due to its harmful effects on human health, has been the main source of revenue for these establishments since 2019.

The authorities found multiple cylinders suspected of containing N2O at both 'Nameless' and 'Bosin'. At 'Nameless', located at 5-7 Buì Viện Street, four shisha pipes, 21 used jars of shisha tobacco, 94 unopened jars of shisha tobacco, eight black 3kg metal cylinders, and four blue 10kg cylinders were discovered. Similarly, at 'Bosin', located on the first floor of No.6 Buì Viện Street, six black 3kg cylinders suspected of containing N2O were discovered.

The sale of laughing gas at these businesses was carried out in an organized process, with staff taking orders, servers filling balloons, and payments being recorded via software. The revenues from these sales were pooled and distributed internally, with staff receiving a percentage commission.

The suspects, who raked in tens of billions of đồng from the sale of laughing gas, were fully aware of the illegality of their actions but continued selling it for illicit profits.

The HCM City Police initiated legal proceedings against the suspects involved in the sale of laughing gas at 'Bosin' and 'Nameless'. The businesses themselves, located in Bến Thành ward, which was formerly known as District 1, have been found to be selling laughing gas to customers.

In response to this discovery, HCM City police have warned organisations, individuals, and businesses to strictly comply with the law and refrain from using, trading, or distributing goods banned by the State, including laughing gas. Authorities will continue to strictly handle violations to protect the rights and health of the public.

The sale of laughing gas at these businesses is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings by the HCM City Police Investigation Agency. As the authorities continue their investigation, it is hoped that this crackdown will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in similar illegal activities.