According to the provincial investigation police agency, the case stemmed from a crackdown on a local drug-dealing hotspot in Cam Khe district. The ring leader was identified as Hoang Van Thu, born in 1977 and residing in Tung Khe commune, Cam Khe district. Investigators soon uncovered a vast interprovincial drug trafficking network operating on a large scale.

In June last year, the director of the Phu Tho Police formally launched a special operation, assigning the drug crime investigation division to lead the case. After more than 10 months of intensive work, the agency has brought charges against 73 individuals for various offences involving the illegal trading and possession of narcotics and military-grade weapons. Among the accused, 29 face prosecution under Clause 4, Article 251 of the Penal Code – an offence carrying the maximum penalty of death.

Seized evidence includes over 27 bricks of heroin (approximately 8kg), more than 278,000 amphetamine tablets (over 25kg), crystal meth (624g), ketamine (6.5kg), liquid narcotics, ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and opium. Police also confiscated a tablet moulding machine, five firearms (including two military-grade weapons), 20 bullets, five cars, over 100 mobile phones, and nearly VND2 billion (US$77,085) in frozen or seized assets.

The successful takedown not only prevented dozens of kilograms of narcotics from entering Vietnam, but also dismantled several highly organised cross-border trafficking operations.

Transnational drug trafficking ring smashed in northern Vietnam

VOV.VN -The police of northern Tuyen Quang province have dismantled a transnational drug trafficking ring from Thailand to Vietnam, detaining seven individuals and seizing over 153 kg of marijuana and two litres of marijuana oil.