Police in Ho Chi Minh City are chalking up another win in their fight against illegal weapons with the capture of a leader of a social media-based illicit arms trading ring.

To Quoc Toan was apprehended during a police raid on his house on Thich Quang Duc Street in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

Toan, 26, is considered by police to have been the ring leader, primarily abetted by Vu Thach Vy, 18, who was arrested earlier that day while delivering weapons to a customer at Toan’s request.

To Quoc Toan in custody at a police station in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vu Thach Vy in custody at a police station in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Toan was charged with illegal possession and trading of weapons, including collapsible batons, swords, machetes, guns, and handcuffs. 

His service also provided customers with on-demand orders for weapons he did not normally stock.

The ring’s weapon sales were made primarily through Facebook, though posts were uploaded only occasionally and cautiously, handicapping police investigation efforts.

Toan admitted to his crimes and claimed that the weapons, which he sold for profit, had been purchased from another person.

Police said this is Toan’s second weapons-related offense, following an arrest on similar charges in 2017.

Authorities are still hunting for others who may have played a role in the shady business.

A police officer stands next to the weapons found in To Quoc Toan’s house in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

To Quoc Toan’s weapons at a police station in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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