73 suspects face prosecution in major transnational drug trafficking case

According to the provincial investigation police agency, the case stemmed from a crackdown on a local drug-dealing hotspot in Cam Khe district.

A large quantity of narcotics seized as part of the case. (Photo: VNA)
A large quantity of narcotics seized as part of the case. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho (VNA) – Police in the northern province of Phu Tho have recently recommended charges against 73 suspects from across the country in connection with a major transnational drug trafficking ring, one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam to date.

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.

vna-2-major-transnational-drug-trafficking-phu-tho-police.jpg
A suspect of the case (1st from right) has been recommended for prosecution. (Photo: VNA)

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 2 billion VND (77,085 USD) 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./.

VNA

See more

A seminar about the rice cropping system and farming management in the Mekong Delta that took place on May 13 in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Research findings support sustainable, low-emission rice farming

Leading domestic and international scientists exchanged views on how to use data gathered from a research project that surveyed 10,000 rice farmers across twelve Mekong Delta provinces between 2022 and 2024 – the largest household-level investigation that IRRI has conducted in 30 years.

An Giang has delivered 2,482 homes to the local residents. (Photo: VNA)

An Giang aims to do away with substandard houses

As of May 13, An Giang broke ground on 2,957 homes under this programme, including 2,453 new constructions and 465 renovations. The province has already completed and delivered 2,482 homes to residents. As much as 215.5 billion VND (8.3 million USD) has been mobilised for the efforts.

Promoting smart and sustainable agriculture is a top priority within Vietnam’s strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Austria boost cooperation in smart agriculture

During his visit to BOKU on May 14, the ambassador highlighted that promoting smart and sustainable agriculture is a top priority within Vietnam’s strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

A Vietnamese delegation visits the historical relic site commemorating late President Ho Chi Minh in the Lao province of Savannakhet. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese in Laos pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh

The historical relic site commemorating late President Ho Chi Minh in the Lao province of Savannakhet is a popular destination for both Vietnamese and Lao people to visit and learn about President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities.

Artists at the event (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday marked in Laos

A highlight of the programme was a short play portraying President Ho Chi Minh’s traditional New Year visits to disadvantaged households. The performance illustrated his lifelong concern for the well-being of the people, especially during festive times.