Five major drug cases

VCN - The Drug-related crime investigation Police Department (C04, Ministry of Public Security) held a conference to summarize cases handled by the drug-related crime investigation police agency in the 2011-2021 period. At the conference, C04 informed about five major drug cases in the past 10 years.
Customs handles 24 drug cases during Lunar New Year 2022 Customs handles 24 drug cases during Lunar New Year 2022
Three major drug cases handled at the beginning of the year Three major drug cases handled at the beginning of the year
Video: Presided over the successful dismantling of 3 major drug cases Video: Presided over the successful dismantling of 3 major drug cases
Brigadier General Nguyen Van Vien awards Certificates of merit of the Prime Minister to individuals with outstanding achievements of C04. Photo: Provided by C04
Brigadier General Nguyen Van Vien awards Certificates of merit of the Prime Minister to individuals with outstanding achievements of C04. Photo: Provided by C04

Special case 113-T seizes 2,181 packs of heroin

After a long investigation, in November 2012, C04 established special case 113-T on fighting a drug trafficking ring from Son La to Hanoi, Bac Giang, and to China for consumption by Trang A Tang, born in 1982, in Nong Truong town, Moc Chau district, Son La, as the mastermind.

Further investigation showed that Tang bought drugs in Laos and hired people to transport them to Ta De and Lung Xa villages (Long Luong commune, Van Ho district, Son La province. The transporters were divided into many groups and equipped with weapons to fight against the authorities in case of they are discovered or arrested. Drugs were then collected at the house of Trang A Chu, Tang's father, and then sold to people in many provinces and cities.

On July 22, 2013, C04 arrested Luong Thi Thao, born in 1976, in Bac Giang for her role in the case. Thao was a wanted person in another case, and also a person who bought drugs from Trang A Tang. Thao asked to perform meritorious service to atone for her crimes and to help the police arrest Tang.

On July 26, 2013, in Song Khe commune, Bac Giang city, C04 presided over and coordinated with other authorities to catch Trang A Tang and Trang A Nenh who were transporting narcotics.

Searching the pickup truck driven by Tang, the authorities seized 265 packs of heroin and 553 pills of synthetic drugs. Tang's trick was to reinforce the truck with two bottoms, then hide the drugs. At the same time, the investigation agency also arrested Giang Thi Sua, wife of Trang A Tang.

The results of the investigation proved that the defendants had successfully sold 2,181 packs of heroin and more than 600 pills of synthetic drugs that weighed 760kg.

The People's Court of Bac Ninh province sentenced nine defendants to death and three defendants to life imprisonment in the case.

Drug lord in the guise of an entrepreneur

In early 2017, C04 discovered a place for drug trafficking in Thanh Chau, Phu Ly, Ha Nam wards, led by Doan Thi Oanh, born in 1975, who acted as a successful entrepreneur.

On March 29, 2017, in Thanh Ha commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province, the Unit for Special Case 117N caught five suspects who were the associates of the owners of the goods Oanh and Giang A Tru in trading in drugs, seizing 10 packs of heroin, 4,000 pills of synthetic drugs, four cars and other items.

Based on the testimonies of the suspects, C04 ordered the immediate arrest of Doan Thi Oanh, confiscating 2.5 packs of heroin, 2.2kg of synthetic drugs, and many related exhibits.

During the investigation, the investigation agency arrested 15 other suspects in the drug trafficking ring, and seized 13 packs of heroin, 8kg of synthetic drugs, seven cars and many other items.

In 2019, the Supreme People's Court held an appellate trial and sentenced eight defendants to death; four defendants to life imprisonment and the remaining 10 defendants to prison from 7 to 20 years.

Destroying drug ring of Chinese criminals

At the end of 2018, C04 received information that some Chinese citizens colluded with some Vietnamese-Chinese people living in Ho Chi Minh City to establish a factory for the illegal manufacture of synthetic drugs in Vietnam.

After a long investigation, the 626T Investigation Committee determined that the leader of the ring was Thai Tu Luc, who had a life sentence for illegal drug production in China, and Tong Kien Hoang, both born in 1963, of Chinese nationality.

The suspects hired a factory at Dong An Vien Import-Export Co., Ltd in Dak Ha town (Dak Ha district, Kon Tum).

On August 6, 2019, C04 presided over and coordinated with local authorities to raid the factory, and caught Thai Tu Luc and Tong Kien Hoang and five suspects engaged in the illegal production of narcotics, seizing 140 liters of solution which contains methamphetamine ingredients and 13 tons of precursors, chemicals, and 20 tons of machinery and equipment.

Ten working groups in provinces and cities searched and summoned suspects, and seized 45 tons of precursors and chemicals. It was estimated that the seized chemicals can produce nearly a ton of finished drugs. This is considered the largest drug production ring ever with very sophisticated methods and tricks.

At the same time, Chinese authorities also arrested 22 people related to this ring. C04 prosecuted the case and eight defendants for illegal production of narcotics.

In 2022, the People's Court of Kon Tum province sentenced two defendants to death, one defendant to life in prison, and five other defendants to prison from 34 months to 20 years.

Huge drug ring of two siblings

At the end of 2020, C04 identified a large drug trafficking ring from Laos through Nghe An, Ha Tinh to Ho Chi Minh City for consumption. C04 has established special case 177N, and worked with local authorities.

The Investigation Committee determined Nguyen The Thanh born in 1990, who resided in Thua Thien Hue, as the leader. The drugs were bought by Thanh from Laos, then transported through border crossings to remote locations on the border of Nghe An or Ha Tinh, then transported to Ho Chi Minh City and sold to Vo Thi Tuyet Hong, born in 1989.

Thanh’s younger brother Nguyen The Lap, born in 1998, was supporting the leader Thanh.

Lap was trusted to hand over the task of receiving drugs at the border and transporting them to Ho Chi Minh City. To transport drugs, Lap hired Nguyen Van Thang, Tran Quang Tai, both born in 1990, in Nghe An and Che Quang Khoi, born 2001 in Thua Thien Hue.

Thanh did not directly deliver drugs, but managed the transport process remotely via social networks. In order to avoid the control of the authorities, the suspects often deliver and receive drugs at the border at midnight.

At the beginning of June 2021, the Investigation Committee received information that the suspect was about to bring drugs in large quantities to Vietnam. Under the direction of Nguyen The Thanh, his accomplices rented cars on the Ho Chi Minh trail in the border area of ​​Thanh Chuong district, Nghe An to receive drugs.

After receiving the drugs, the suspects put them into suitcases and backpacks, then hid them in the car’s undercarriage to Vinh City (Nghe An). Here, some were sold to Phan Duc Ha, born in 1993 in Nghe An.

At dawn on June 15, 2021, at National Highway 13 (Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City), the authorities caught Nguyen Van Thang and Che Quang Khoi while they were carrying suitcases and backpacks containing drugs, seized 30kg of synthetic meth, a gun, nine bullets and many related documents.

At the same time, the reconnaissance teams carried out a search warrant and arrested suspects including Nguyen The Thanh, Nguyen The Lap, Tran Quang Tai, Vo Thi Tuyet Hong and Phan Duc Ha, seized 2kg of drugs and many related pieces of evidence.

C04 prosecuted the case for six defendants, and seized 32kg of synthetic drugs, a gun, and nine bullets.

Tons of drugs transported by airplane from Europe to Vietnam

In early April 2021, C04 received information about drug trafficking from European countries via air to Vietnam for consumption.

Determining that this is a large drug transport case that had many suspects, and was related to many localities, C04 established special case HC421, with reconnaissance focusing on vehicles and applying measures to fight and destroy the case.

The suspects were about to use fake names, fake addresses, and sim card numbers to deliver drugs. Therefore, if it is detected that the transportation is abnormal, the suspect is ready to leave the goods and refuse to receive them. Therefore, it was required to develop a meticulous and urgent plan.

From the time of receiving the information to the time of solving the case, there was only 48 hours, so the special case committee has to work 24/7, the case included two phases.

In the first phase, on the afternoon of April 9, 2021, in Hanoi, the authorities arrested Nguyen Huy Hong, born in 1988 in Hanoi, and Le Thi Thoa, born in 1997 in Phu Tho, and seized 12.7kg of drugs.

In Hai Duong, the authorities caught Hoang Huu Thanh and seized 8.8kg of synthetic drugs. During the investigation, Thanh claimed that he still had five packages, including four packages containing drugs, which were being transported from Germany to Vietnam.

In the second phase, six working groups arrested suspects in Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City. On the afternoon of April 13, 2021 in Binh Duong, the authorities caught Dang Van Vang, born in 1996; residing in Yen Thanh, Nghe An while he was receiving a package containing 4.1kg of drugs and Nguyen Duy Thuong, born in 1999, residing in Loc Ninh, Binh Phuoc while he was receiving a package containing 5kg of drugs.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the investigation unit arrested many suspects and seized dozens of kilos of drugs in many different locations.

So far, C04 has prosecuted eight cases, 16 defendants, and seized more than 127kg of drugs of all kinds and many related pieces of evidence. This is a case with the largest amount of drugs transported from European countries to Vietnam by air. The case is being investigated.

By Thai Binh/ Huyen Trang

Related News

Remodel cars to hide drugs

Remodel cars to hide drugs

VCN – Criminals have hiden drugs inside people, vehicles and goods, especially using the method of transporting consigned goods, causing difficulties for the Customs in inspection and control.
6 outstanding events of Vietnam Customs in 2024

6 outstanding events of Vietnam Customs in 2024

VCN - The General Department of Customs has just announced outstanding events in 2024, such as: successfully organizing the 33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Customs Directors-General; successfully completing the budget collection task; trade facilitation with a record trade turnover of over US$786 billion.
Customs seizes smuggled goods and infringing products worth VND31,000 billion

Customs seizes smuggled goods and infringing products worth VND31,000 billion

VCN – Smugglers have taken advantage business models on e-commerce platforms, social networks, and postal and express delivery activities to use sophisticated tricks for smuggling and trafficking counterfeit goods.
Hai Phong Customs busts illegal import of 600 m3 of precious wood

Hai Phong Customs busts illegal import of 600 m3 of precious wood

VCN – About 600 m3 of illegally imported African teak wood, with an estimated total value of tens of billions of VND, has been seized by Hai Phong Customs Department.

Latest News

An Giang Customs Department escalates multiple tax fraud cases to law enforcement

An Giang Customs Department escalates multiple tax fraud cases to law enforcement

VCN - Many cases of customs law violations and tax fraud discovered by An Giang Customs Department have been transferred to the police for investigation according to their authority.
Customs crackdown nets 1,430 violations in first month

Customs crackdown nets 1,430 violations in first month

VCN - In January 2025, the number of violations detected, seized, and processed by customs authorities increased by 9.6%, and the value of the illicit goods involved increased by 19.4% compared to the same period in 2024.
Customs administrations coordinate to seize nearly 20,000 endangered wildlife

Customs administrations coordinate to seize nearly 20,000 endangered wildlife

VCN – About 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, have been seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly coordinated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL.
An Giang Customs strictly controls goods moving across the border

An Giang Customs strictly controls goods moving across the border

VCN- An Giang Customs Department implements imports and exports smoothly, strictly controls smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across the border, and arrests cases.

More News

Illegal transportation of gemstones by air to handled

Illegal transportation of gemstones by air to handled

VCN – If the luggage of people on exit or entry exceeds the duty-free baggage allowance gone through the customs control area without declaring to customs are considered illegal exports and imports and will be handled under the provisions of law.
Routine security screening uncovers hidden weapons at point of entry

Routine security screening uncovers hidden weapons at point of entry

VCN - During routine X-ray screenings and inspections, the La Lay Border Gate Customs Branch (Quang Tri Customs Department) collaborated with other agencies to apprehend an individual attempting to smuggle two military-grade firearms and 92 rounds of ammunition across the border.
Strictly handling illegal transportation of gemstones by air

Strictly handling illegal transportation of gemstones by air

VCN – Any commodity carried by inbound, outbound persons which exceeds the duty-free limit but still goes through the customs checkpoint without completing the customs declaration shall be considered as illegal imports or exports and shall be handled in accordance with the laws.
Nearly 18,000 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods detected

Nearly 18,000 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods detected

The total estimated value of confiscated goods exceeded VNĐ31.35 trillion (US$1.23 billion), marking a 12.5 per cent increase in cases and a 151.3 per cent surge in the value compared to the previous year.
India launches anti-dumping investigation on nylon yarn imports from Việt Nam

India launches anti-dumping investigation on nylon yarn imports from Việt Nam

The Trade Remedies Authority of Việt Nam recommends businesses involved in the production of the goods carefully review the investigation notice and comply with Indian authorities.
Hanoi Customs: 92% of post-clearance audits reveal violations

Hanoi Customs: 92% of post-clearance audits reveal violations

VCN - According to Hanoi Customs, this year’s post-clearance audit plans focus on high-risk areas with signs of violations.
Noi Bai International Border Gate Customs Sub-department: "Blocking" drugs via air

Noi Bai International Border Gate Customs Sub-department: "Blocking" drugs via air

VCN - Along with the recovery and growth of passenger and cargo flights, illegal drug transportation by air is on the rise with increasingly sophisticated and complex tricks and constantly changing methods of operation to deceive Customs and other authorities.
Nghe An busts drug trafficking ring via aviation

Nghe An busts drug trafficking ring via aviation

VCN – December 25, Dien Chau District Police prosecuted Le Tien Duc, born in 2003, residing in Quynh Tan Commune, Quynh Luu District, for illegally transporting 2 kg of drugs.
Violations via e-commerce in HCM City  surges

Violations via e-commerce in HCM City surges

VCN - In 2024, HCM city Market Surveillance Department inspected and handled 379 violations of e-commerce, an increase of 392.2%; the value of violated goods was more than VND 8.6 billion, an increase of 1,128.57% compared to the previous year.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
An Giang Customs Department escalates multiple tax fraud cases to law enforcement

An Giang Customs Department escalates multiple tax fraud cases to law enforcement

Many cases of customs law violations and tax fraud discovered by An Giang Customs Department have been transferred to the police for investigation according to their authority.
Customs crackdown nets 1,430 violations in first month

Customs crackdown nets 1,430 violations in first month

In January 2025, the number of violations detected, seized, and processed by customs authorities increased by 9.6%, and the value of the illicit goods involved increased by 19.4%
Customs administrations coordinate to seize nearly 20,000 endangered wildlife

Customs administrations coordinate to seize nearly 20,000 endangered wildlife

VCN - According to the WCO, the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Operation Thunder 2024 aims to combat criminal networks involved in illegal trafficking of wildlife and forestry products.
An Giang Customs strictly controls goods moving across the border

An Giang Customs strictly controls goods moving across the border

VCN - According to An Giang Customs Department, during the Lunar New Year holiday, the department has arranged leaders, civil servants and employees to work and effectively handled all arising situations and smoothly processed customs procedures, and prev
Remodel cars to hide drugs

Remodel cars to hide drugs

VCN - Through the fight against drugs, Quang Tri Customs Enforcement force recognized that the drug-related crimes have taken place sophicicatedly.
Mobile Version