According to the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency, the case was uncovered during an investigation into the death of a man believed to have taken poison in a suspected suicide.

On April 29, investigators received reports that a man identified as T.N.T., from Bau Bang commune, had died with signs of suspected poisoning. Initial forensic results determined that the victim died from cyanide poisoning.

Investigators said evidence collected at the scene showed the cyanide had been purchased through Facebook from a suspect identified as Diep Thai Thanh Lam. Further investigation found that Lam had allegedly sold cyanide to multiple individuals across different localities.

Given the highly dangerous nature of cyanide, which can cause death within a short period of time, police launched a major investigation involving more than 200 officers over 15 consecutive days to dismantle the cross-border smuggling ring.

Investigators said the group had transported large quantities of cyanide across the border into Vietnam before distributing the substance through online platforms.

Initial investigation results showed that the ring transported more than 2.4 tonnes of cyanide from Cambodia into Vietnam in March and April alone. Of that amount, around 1.7 tonnes had already been sold to individuals in multiple provinces and cities.

Police said they had seized more than 1.3 tonnes of cyanide in Ho Chi Minh City and other localities nationwide, along with more than VND2 billion (US$77,000) in cash, land-use certificates and vehicles allegedly used to transport the toxic substance.

Investigators described the case as a large-scale illegal toxic substance ring that used social media and online platforms to conduct transactions and conceal criminal activities. Dismantling the ring had helped prevent large quantities of highly toxic chemicals from entering wider circulation and avert potentially serious consequences for the community, they stressed.

The investigation is continuing, while police warned the public against illegally purchasing, storing, transporting or using cyanide in any form and violations will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

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