Recent murder and suicide cases involving cyanide reveal how easily this lethal substance can be obtained. Police are working with various authorities to strictly regulate and address the illegal trade of this dangerous chemical.

Cyanide: Easy to obtain for murder or suicide

The Lam Dong Provincial Police are investigating Tran Nguyen Thu Trang (39, originally from Dong Thap) in connection with a case where she allegedly poisoned her partner with cyanide before disposing of the body by driving off Bao Loc Pass.

Trang admitted that two months earlier, she had used her Facebook profile “Tran Trang” to search for and order six cyanide pills, with the initial intention of using them if her relationship could not be resolved. Two days later, the seller delivered the pills to Trang’s home in District 7 (HCM City) and even provided an extra pill as a bonus.

Trang initially tested the cyanide by poisoning a cat, which died. She then stored the cyanide until a recent conflict with her partner, Mr. V. (39, from Ho Chi Minh City), ended unsuccessfully. Trang allegedly used cyanide to kill him and attempted to conceal the crime by driving his body up Bao Loc Pass and pushing the car off the cliff.

Many recent cases involving cyanide suggest that this deadly substance is easily available on the black market, particularly online.

In mid-September, a woman was found dead at her home in Binh Thanh District. After investigating, police determined that she had committed suicide using cyanide. Through investigative methods, police identified the seller and uncovered a large-scale group involved in the illegal distribution of cyanide.

In another shocking case, Dong Nai Provincial Police uncovered that Nguyen Thi Hong Bich (38) had poisoned her husband and three nieces with cyanide, leaving only one survivor. Bich admitted to purchasing cyanide online, hiding it in her bedroom, and only starting to use it a year later to carry out the killings.

How authorities are cracking down on illegal cyanide sales

In Ho Chi Minh City, a recent crackdown was initiated to address the illegal trade and misuse of dangerous chemicals. Under the Ministry of Public Security’s directives, police across various provinces have focused efforts on this issue.

Within the first month of this campaign, Ho Chi Minh City police prosecuted five cases involving 17 individuals on charges of “illegal trading and possession of toxic substances,” seizing 9.4 tons of cyanide and over 320 kg of other toxic chemicals. Police are tracking cyanide supply chains across 11 provinces, recovering an additional 318 kg.

The police also established seven task forces to inspect 21 chemical businesses around Kim Bien Market. To date, three cases of “illegal trading and possession of toxic substances” have been prosecuted, with investigations ongoing.

Investigations reveal that some sellers exploit chemical company credentials, using licensed entities to import and trade chemicals, including cyanide. They then distribute the substance to buyers without control documentation or business permits.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department's Advisory Division has recommended that the City’s 138 Steering Committee instruct relevant agencies, including the Department of Industry and Trade, Customs, and Market Management, to collaborate in reviewing all businesses authorized to import and trade hazardous chemicals, ensuring strict adherence to the law.

Dam De