The operation was carried out after intelligence gathering and coordinated investigative measures. Police conducted an administrative inspection and discovered the shipment belonging to Duong Lam Joint Stock Company while it was being processed for export.

Examinations and investigations later determined that the seized Monazite ore was radioactive material with a high concentration of rare earth oxides. The ore is considered a highly valuable resource used in the production of electronic equipment, high-tech products and especially nuclear technology applications.

On May 13, the provincial police launched criminal proceedings, prosecuted and ordered the temporary detention of Tran Van Quan, born in 1957 and residing in Ho Chi Minh City, for “illegally transporting radioactive materials” under Article 309 of the Penal Code.

By May 16, investigators had executed the detention order after it was approved by the Lang Son Provincial People’s Procuracy.

Expanding the investigation, authorities searched the offices of Duong Lam Joint Stock Company in Lam Dong province as well as the company’s Ilmenite-Zircon processing plant in Hoa Thang commune, seizing numerous documents and exhibits related to the case.

This is the first time Lang Son police have uncovered and dismantled a case involving such a large quantity of radioactive material-bearing ore. The incident has also exposed loopholes in the management of the exploitation, transportation and trade of rare minerals.

Further investigation of the case is underway.

Lao man arrested for illegally transporting drugs into Vietnam

The Border Guard Command of central Quang Tri province said on June 21 that they have arrested a Lao man when he was en route to illegally transport 38,000 pills of synthetic drugs into Vietnam.