The police of My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang have temporarily seized many metal cylinders containing nitrous oxide (N2O), known as laughing gas, without papers and invoices that prove their origin.

On Friday evening, the police discovered 29 cylinders containing laughing gas and other exhibits at a house at 34 An Thuong Street rented by three people: one residing in Nai Hien Dong Ward, Son Tra District whilst the others hailing from the neighbouring province of Quang Nam.

Through the initial investigations, the offenders admitted having bought these cylinders of laughing gas from other Vietnamese localities for the delivery to customers across Da Nang upon their request.

The case is still under investigation.

Over recent times, a large amount of smuggled goods, including laughing gas, have illegally imported into Da Nang for illegal year-end consumption. The law enforcement forces, therefore, are strengthening patrols and inspections to timely detect and handle violations for the sake of the upcoming safe Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

According to scientists, nitrous oxide creates an instant refreshing feeling, dizziness and blocks the nervous system, reducing the ability to think, distorting sound and even causing visual hallucinations.

A person exposed to nitrous oxide in a closed room or inhaling it directly would suffer from a lack of oxygen in their bloodstream. For a normal person, inhaling the laughing gas regularly could affect their nervous system.

Reporting by LE HUNG – Translating by A. THU