In a major crackdown, Ho Chi Minh City police have arrested 30 people for allegedly running an interprovincial network that manufactured and trafficked military-grade firearms through social media platforms. The suspects are accused of producing, selling, and possessing illegal weapons, as well as drug trafficking and organizing illicit drug use.
According to authorities, the ringleader, Nguyen Ngoc Son (33), personally assembled and modified firearms designed to resemble military-grade weapons in both appearance and function. He recorded demonstration videos and posted them on Facebook to attract buyers.
Police seized 27 firearms, including 14 military-grade weapons, along with nine partially assembled guns and nearly 100 modified gun components during simultaneous raids at multiple locations between May 30 and June 6. Authorities also confiscated around 1,000 rounds of ammunition, drills, cutting and grinding machines, metalworking equipment, and other tools allegedly used to manufacture firearms.
The police investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to identify the sources of the weapons, ammunition, and narcotics, as well as other individuals connected to the operation. The dismantling of the network has prevented a large quantity of military-grade weapons from entering circulation and potentially being used for serious crimes.
This incident comes under an anti-crime campaign launched by HCM City Police Chief aimed at tackling illicit activities on social media platforms.