On 19/6, Thanh, 43, and Hoang Ngoc Phu, 35, both residents of Nghe An, were criminally detained by Ha Tinh Border Guard for investigation into illegal drug transportation.

Suspect Thanh (center) at the investigative agency. Photo: Duc Hung

The arrest occurred at 11:30 on 12/6, on National Highway 8, a section passing through Son Kim 1 commune (formerly part of Huong Son district). Ha Tinh Border Guard, in coordination with inter-agency police and customs forces, ambushed and inspected a taxi carrying Thanh. Authorities suspected the vehicle contained contraband. Thanh, carrying 2 backpacks, attempted to exit the vehicle and flee but was surrounded and apprehended.

At the scene, authorities seized a significant quantity of drugs: 12 bricks of heroin, 11 kg of crystal meth, 10 kg of ketamine, and 16,000 ecstasy pills, totaling approximately 27 kg.

Evidence seized in the case. Photo: Duc Hung

Following an expanded investigation, authorities arrested Phu, who was identified as Thanh's accomplice in the operation.

The 2 suspects confessed to being hired by an unknown individual to transport the drugs. Their task was to move the narcotics from the Son Kim 1 commune area to Nghe An for delivery to a partner, with a payment of 50 million dong upon completion.

The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Duc Hung