Ho Chi Minh City Uncovers Record Drug Trafficking Network, Arrests 1,529 Suspects

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In a landmark operation, Ho Chi Minh City police have dismantled a massive drug trafficking network, arresting 27 individuals and confiscating 245 kilograms of narcotics, as part of an expanded investigation into a smuggling ring involving airline attendants. This operation marks the largest drug bust in the city's history, with a total of 1,529 arrests.

The investigation, which began in March 2023, initially focused on four Vietnam Airlines attendants caught smuggling over 11 kilograms of ecstasy, cocaine, and ketamine hidden in toothpaste tubes. They were intercepted upon arrival from France at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Although the attendants claimed ignorance of the illicit contents and were subsequently released, this discovery triggered a broader investigation.

The police uncovered two major trafficking rings operating between Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province, particularly active during holidays. On April 24 and 25, the authorities detained 27 suspects and seized substantial drug quantities. Names of the detainees remain undisclosed.

Investigators traced the operation to Nghe An in Central Vietnam, identifying key leaders responsible for coordinating drug shipments via Noi Bai Airport and subsequently through Tan Son Nhat Airport, utilizing the airline attendants for transport.

Spanning 10 months, the comprehensive investigation has dismantled 150 drug rings across multiple provinces. Police have apprehended 381 individuals and confiscated 130 kilograms of drugs. The operation also revealed 3,000 financial accounts used by the criminal syndicates, linked to transactions exceeding VND22,000 billion.

Expanding beyond initial targets, over 500 sub-network branches were neutralized across 36 provinces. This effort culminated in the arrest of 1,529 suspects and the seizure of 568.5 kilograms of drugs, 12 firearms, 67 rounds of ammunition, three grenades, and additional contraband. Drug trafficking transactions have reportedly surpassed VND29,000 billion.

In recognition of the outstanding efforts by the police and all involved units, the Ministry of Public Security awarded commendation letters and financial incentives. The remarkable success of this operation garnered further accolades from both the Ministry and the Prime Minister, highlighting the significant contribution to national and regional security.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-05