The Drug Crime Investigation Division of Nghe An Police led the operation in coordination with units from Ha Tinh Police and customs forces. The case was uncovered during a crackdown on crime before, during and after the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

Investigators identified a trafficking route moving drugs from Laos into Vietnam for distribution. Dao Minh Hoang, born in 1981 and residing in Bach Mai ward, Hanoi, was identified as a key intermediary. He frequently traveled from Hanoi to Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces to receive drugs from contacts across the border and transport them to various localities for sale.

On the afternoon of February 14, 2026, Hoang was arrested in Huong Son commune, Ha Tinh province, while arranging a transaction. Police seized 22 blocks of heroin at the scene.

Nghe An Police said dismantling the ring during the Tet holiday period helped prevent drugs from entering the domestic market and contributed to maintaining public security.

The investigation is ongoing, with police expanding inquiries to identify other individuals involved in the case.

Lao national arrested with over 12,000 synthetic drug pills in Vietnam

VOV.VN - Vietnamese border guards in Quang Ngai province have arrested a Lao national for transporting more than 12,000 pills suspected to be synthetic drugs.