Task forces from Dien Bien Police, in coordination with colleagues from Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, and specialized units of Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, launched a surprise raid in Pak Beng district, Oudomxay province of Laos on June 12, arresting 12 Lao nationals involved in illegal drug trafficking.

They seized approximately 2 tonnes of narcotics at the scene, including 1.87 tonnes of synthetic drugs (equivalent to 18 million pills) and 124 kg of ketamine, concealed in 12 vehicles. The suspects confessed they were hired by drug lords from the Golden Triangle (Myanmar) to transport the drugs to Vientiane (Laos) for distribution, earning LAK20 - 50 million per trip depending on the type of drug.

Another operation in Khom Khoa village, Luang Prabang city, on June 23 led to the arrest of 5 suspects for drug trafficking and illegal possession of military weapons. Authorities confiscated 31 bricks of synthetic drugs (about 186,000 pills), 3 handguns, 21 bullets, 2 cars, and 8 mobile phones.

From early April to late June, nearly three months of intensive efforts by joint task forces in northern Laos resulted in the detection of 76 cases, the arrest of 122 suspects, and the seizure of roughly 2.5 tonnes of narcotics, 13 firearms, 1,517 bullets, and 10.08 tonnes of industrial explosives.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao law enforcement agencies in combating transnational drug crime. It also contributes to safeguarding security in border areas and spreading the spirit of proactive and prompt action in the uncompromising fight against narcotics.

Two transnational drug rings busted in northern border province

Border guards in the northern border province of Dien Bien said they have broken two drug trafficking rings dealing from Laos to Vietnam.