Society

Hue court sentences leaders of massive drug trafficking ring

A total of 29.06kg of drugs of different kinds, was seized, including over 20.9kg of methamphetamine, 4.1kg of ketamine, nearly 388g of MDMA, along with other substances.

The Hue People’s Court has sentenced four defendants to death at the first-instance trial on August 20. (Photo: VNA)
The Hue People’s Court has sentenced four defendants to death at the first-instance trial on August 20. (Photo: VNA)

Hue (VNA) – The Hue People’s Court on August 20 held a first-instance trial concerning the trafficking and transportation of nearly 30kg of narcotics, the largest drug case ever recorded in the central city.

Authorities said the ring was dismantled in time to prevent a large volume of narcotics from entering Hue and neighbouring provinces. A total of 29.06kg of drugs of different kinds, was seized, including over 20.9kg of methamphetamine, 4.1kg of ketamine, nearly 388g of MDMA, along with other substances.

The defendants were prosecuted for “illegal transportation” and “illegal trading” of narcotics under Articles 250 and 251 of the Penal Code.

They include Tran Bao Vu (born 1993), Phan Minh Trung (1990), Le Khac Di (2003), Pham Xuan Nguyen Minh (1999), Le Anh Vu (2001), Ho Van H ung (1983), Vo Cong Khue (1991), Huynh Thi Le Huyen (1991), Vo Dai Tay Duong (1996), all residing in Hue; Nguyen Duy Quang (2004) from Quang Tri province; and Nguyen The Hung (1990) from former Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri province).

The court identified Tran Bao Vu as the ringleader, responsible for 28.44kg of narcotics. Phan Minh Trung, Le Khac Di, Nguyen Duy Quang and Pham Xuan Nguyen Minh were active accomplices linked to 10.7kg of drugs. Huynh Thi Le Huyen and Vo Dai Tay Duong were involved in the sale and distribution of 6.64kg, while Le Anh Vu, Ho Van Hung, Vo Cong Khue, and Nguyen The Hung participated in transporting 5.68kg of methamphetamine.

After reviewing evidence and testimony, the court sentenced Tran Bao Vu, Phan Minh Trung, Le Khac Di and Nguyen Duy Quang to death. Pham Xuan Nguyen Minh, Huynh Thi Le Huyen, Vo Dai Tay Duong and Le Anh Vu received life imprisonment. Meanwhile, Ho Van Hung, Vo Cong Khue, and Nguyen The Hung were each sentenced to 20 years in prison.

According to the indictment, between 2023 and 2024, Vu repeatedly purchased narcotics in Quang Binh (now Quang Tri province) for distribution in Hue city, and directly ordered accomplices to rent premises for storage and sale.

Raids on multiple properties rented by Vu uncovered large quantities of drugs.

Authorities seized over 10.7kg of narcotics, including methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and ADB-BUTINACA, from a rented room on Pham Van Dong street in Phu Thuong ward, now My Thuong ward. Vo Cong Khue was caught red-handed transporting 5.68kg of methamphetamine from Hue to Quang Binh at the Da Vien Bridge – Le Duan intersection. Additional 10.94kg and 6.64kg were found at hideouts on Ngu Binh and Tran Phu streets in Thuan Hoa ward./.

VNA
#drug trafficking #narcotics #Hue People’s Court #Hue Thua Thien-Hue
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