As part of intensified efforts to prevent and combat violations related to fireworks ahead of the Lunar New Year, Hải Phòng City Police have recently uncovered and handled a case involving the storage and transportation of an exceptionally large quantity of explosive fireworks, posing serious safety risks to society.

Suspect caught transporting explosive fireworks on a provincial road

At around 9:45 a.m. on December 18, 2025, at Km 10+760 on Provincial Road 396B, in Trại Hào Hamlet, Hồng Châu Commune (Hải Phòng), a task force from the Criminal Police Department of Hải Phòng City Police, in coordination with Hồng Châu Commune Police, conducted an inspection of a suspicious individual. During the inspection, authorities discovered that L.Đ.C. (born in 1988, residing in Quỳnh An Commune, Hưng Yên Province) was riding a motorbike carrying two cardboard boxes containing 10 boxes of explosive fireworks, with a total weight of 13.8 kg. The suspect admitted that the fireworks originated from abroad and were purchased for use during the Lunar New Year.

Evidence seized at the residence of suspect L.Đ.C.

The task force immediately prepared a report of an in-flagrante arrest, seized all exhibits, and brought the suspect to the police station for further investigation.

Emergency search uncovers over 100 kg of explosive fireworks

Later the same day, the Investigation Police Agency of Hải Phòng City Police conducted an emergency search of L.Đ.C.’s residence in Ngọc Chi Hamlet, Quỳnh An Commune, Hưng Yên Province. The search revealed that the suspect had hidden 55 racks of explosive fireworks under the staircase on the first floor, with a total weight exceeding 102 kg. At the investigation agency, L.Đ.C. confessed that since October 2025, he had repeatedly contacted an anonymous Facebook account to purchase explosive fireworks for stockpiling and use during the Lunar New Year. According to forensic conclusions by the Criminalistics Department of Hải Phòng City Police, all seized items were explosive fireworks that produce loud explosions and light effects when ignited, classified as prohibited goods under current law.

L.Đ.C.’s actions are sufficient to constitute the crime of “Illegal storage and transportation of prohibited goods” under Clause 2, Article 191 of the Penal Code. This is a serious case occurring close to the Lunar New Year and requires strict handling for deterrence and general prevention.

Public warning: Absolutely do not buy or use illegal explosive fireworks

This case once again highlights the ongoing risks of smuggled explosive fireworks and online trading via social media, especially during the festive season. Purchasing, storing, transporting, or using explosive fireworks is not only illegal but also poses a high risk of fire and explosion, threatening lives and property. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and not to trust advertisements for “hand-carried,” “cheap,” or “imported” fireworks on social media or unofficial channels.

Guidance for purchasing legal, genuine Z121 fireworks

To celebrate the New Year safely and in compliance with the law, people are only permitted to use non-explosive fireworks produced by Z121 Factory – Ministry of National Defence, in accordance with current regulations. When purchasing fireworks, the public should note:

• Only buy from officially announced Z121 stores and sales points

• Carefully check packaging, anti-counterfeit labels, usage instructions, and QR codes for origin traceability

• Do not purchase fireworks via social media, livestreams, anonymous accounts, or without invoices and documents

• Do not use products with suspicious signs, unclear origin, or suspected of being mixed with explosive fireworks

Choosing genuine Z121 fireworks not only ensures legal compliance but also helps protect personal safety, family well-being, and community security during the Lunar New Year.

Genuine Z121 fireworks