A simple online search can easily lead to the purchase and delivery of these dangerous items, bypassing legal restrictions intended to curb their distribution.

A survey by Lao Dong newspaper revealed that numerous toy stores in Hanoi openly sell a variety of toy guns, knives, and swords. These items are available in different designs, colors, and price ranges.

At a toy store on To Hieu Street in Cau Giay district, when a customer inquired about toy guns that shoot pellets, the store owner immediately led them to a secluded section at the back of the shop. Here, various models of pellet guns were displayed, with prices ranging from 85,000 to 400,000 VND. The store owner assured the customer that the foam pellets were harmless and suitable for children.

Similarly, other stores in Hoan Kiem district offered a wide selection of toy guns. Although some store owners claimed not to sell certain banned items, they hinted that customers could easily find them online.

A quick search for "toy guns that shoot pellets" on Google returns thousands of results from online stores and e-commerce platforms. Websites like B.D.T prominently feature products such as toy pistols, submachine guns, and AK-47 replicas. These toys, some priced as high as 8.8 million VND, are marketed with claims of high-impact shooting capabilities. Customers are informed that these products are only available online, with the added assurance of a 1-to-1 exchange policy for defective items.

Another website, M.B, offers a wide range of sniper rifles, gel blaster guns, and other toy firearms. E-commerce platforms also advertise toy guns that shoot plastic pellets or foam darts, enhanced with realistic sound effects.

According to the Hanoi Market Management Department, in the first seven months of 2024, authorities conducted 46 inspections and imposed fines totaling 540 million VND on businesses selling violent toys of unclear origin. Nearly 1.4 billion VND worth of goods were confiscated.

Lawyer Quach Thanh Luc, Director of Phap Tri Law Firm, explained that toys harmful to children's character development, health, or public safety are prohibited.

This includes toy guns that resemble real firearms, such as spring-loaded or air-powered guns, water guns, and light-up or noise-making guns.

Other banned items include toy replicas of grenades, bombs, mines, explosives, knives, swords, and crossbows made from any material, including wood, bamboo, or compressed paper.

Violations of these regulations carry fines ranging from 1 to 2 million VND for the use or possession of banned toys and 5 to 10 million VND for the illegal transportation or storage of such items.

PV