After a two-month investigation, Ho Chi Minh City Police confiscated 9.7 metric tons of cyanide and filed charges against 31 suspects for their involvement in the illegal trade and storage of poisonous chemicals.

They also seized 315 kilograms of sulfuric acid, 105 kilograms of hydrochloric acid and other exhibits.

In early September, the municipal police launched a plan to enhance the handling of violations relating to the trade of hazardous chemicals, including cyanide.

The investigation was extended to other provinces, with an additional 313.5 kilograms of cyanide seized.

Le Minh Duc from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council applauded the municipal police for their efforts to seize such a huge volume of cyanide but also voiced his concern, saying 9.7 metric tons is an alarming figure.

It raises a question in the management of the trade of toxic chemicals as cyanide has been used in many murder cases.

Cyanide is not on the list of banned products but on the list of industrial chemicals subject to conditional production and trading.

Individuals and units must have licenses to trade cyanide and buyers must have letters of introduction specifying the needed volume and purposes.

However, the illegal trade of cyanide is rife as the poisonous substance can be bought via social media.

The situation is attributed to the loose management of local authorities and residents’ poor awareness of cyanide trade regulations.

The police should coordinate with other relevant agencies to continue cracking down on rings producing, trading, storing, transporting and using dangerous chemicals illegally and educating local people about regulations in the trade and use of cyanide to prevent unfortunate consequences, Duc added.

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