(Vietnam Insider) – Police in Đà Nẵng have detained a British national for illegally possessing a military-grade firearm, after witnesses reported he displayed the weapon during a dispute at a bar in the city’s popular An Thượng area.
Authorities said V.J.A., 37, was arrested following a coordinated operation between the Criminal Police Division and Ngũ Hành Sơn District police. Investigators seized a CF98-9 handgun and a magazine loaded with 12 rounds, which had been hidden inside a wardrobe at his rented home on Lê Cao Lãng Street in Cẩm Lệ District.
The case came to light on September 11 when a local resident reported seeing a foreign man pull out what appeared to be a gun at the Sham Rock bar on An Thượng 32 Street. He later concealed the weapon and left the premises.
Following the report, police traced the suspect and identified him as V.J.A. During questioning, the Briton admitted he had purchased the firearm in Cambodia in late 2024 for US$700, claiming it was for self-defense.
He told investigators that in the early hours of September 5, he visited Sham Rock bar with his daughter and became involved in an altercation with another foreign national, reportedly from Ireland. He then left the bar, retrieved the handgun from his residence, returned to the venue, briefly displayed the weapon, and left.
Police said A. first entered Việt Nam in 2019 and has since resided in multiple provinces and cities including Lào Cai, Ho Chi Minh City, Gia Lai, Cần Thơ, Lạng Sơn, Nghệ An, Hà Nội, Quảng Ninh, and Hải Phòng. He reportedly relocated to Đà Nẵng in April 2025, living in a rented house arranged by a local acquaintance.
The suspect is currently being held in temporary custody on charges of illegal possession of military weapons. Police confirmed they are consolidating evidence to pursue further legal proceedings.
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Source: Vietnam Insider