In early 2025, the Border Guard force uncovered a large-scale inter-provincial and international drug trafficking ring operating from the Golden Triangle in Laos, transporting drugs through Quang Tri province to Da Nang and southern provinces for distribution.

Intelligence indicated a major drug shipment would be transported along National Highway 1 to Da Nang on the morning of 15/8, with the drop-off point near the Hai Van Tunnel. This area is isolated, with minimal traffic and multiple connecting roads.

On the evening of 14/8, the special task force command held an urgent meeting to formulate a plan, focusing on three routes in the Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone. Given the large quantity of drugs, it was anticipated the suspects might be armed with grenades or firearms and prepared to resist. The task force was authorized to use deadly force if necessary to ensure complete safety.

The plan was rehearsed and reconnaissance teams were deployed in multiple locations. The commander instructed the special forces to subdue the suspects within 7 seconds of the vehicle stopping.

Border patrol officers apprehend the suspect in the black car. _Photo: Border Guard_

At 2 a.m. on 15/8, 110 officers from the Da Nang City Border Guard, Quang Tri Province Border Guard, and the Central Region Drug and Crime Task Force (under the Border Guard Drug and Crime Prevention Department) moved into their positions.

After a 4-hour stakeout, at 6 a.m., as intelligence predicted, a black car with a Hanoi license plate appeared. The driver exhibited signs of scouting, carefully checking the area before stopping on Road 4 in the Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone.

Between 6 and 8 a.m., the car remained stationary. Meanwhile, several other vehicles, including motorbikes, taxis, a 7-seater car, and a gray 12-seater van with a Ho Chi Minh City license plate, were observed repeatedly passing through Roads 4, 7, and 6, particularly near the parked black car.

Investigators suspected the Hanoi car contained the drugs and that the 12-seater or 7-seater was there to receive them. They maintained surveillance and adjusted their deployment accordingly.

Activity on these roads appeared normal.

At 9:05 a.m., the 12-seater van entered Road 4 and stopped behind the Hanoi car. As a young man exited the van and approached the car, the task force moved in, catching the suspects in the act of exchanging goods within 4 seconds.

Suspects apprehended with over 295.5 kg of drugs. _Photo: Border Guard_

The driver wept as he was surrounded by border guards. At the scene, authorities seized 295.5 kg of drugs, including 5 cakes of heroin, 80 packages of Ketamine, and 100 packages of crystal methamphetamine hidden in sacks and filling the car.

The Da Nang Border Guard reported this as the largest drug seizure in the central region from Quang Binh southward.

Searching the suspects' residences, authorities discovered an AK-47, a homemade gun, loose ammunition, and additional drugs hidden around the houses.

The Da Nang Border Guard is holding the two suspects, one residing in Hoa Xuan ward and the other in An Khe ward, both in Da Nang, for drug trafficking.

The investigation is ongoing, and procedures are being finalized to prosecute the suspects.

On the afternoon of 17/8, Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee (UBND), commended the Da Nang City Border Guard, Quang Tri Province Border Guard, and the Central Region Drug and Crime Task Force for their success in Operation QB525, awarding 200 million VND to 8 units and 22 individuals directly involved in the bust.

"Imagine the severe consequences if 300 kg of drugs had reached the streets. It would have had a devastating impact on lives and social order," Triet said.

Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (second from right) and Da Nang Standing Deputy Party Secretary Nguyen Dinh Vinh (second from left) present awards to the border guard force. _Photo: Nguyen Dong_

The Da Nang chairman stated that the city is a major drug transit point. Its 157 km border with Laos, characterized by rugged terrain, presents significant challenges for border control and crime prevention, especially with the transition to a two-tiered local government model. Therefore, forces need to focus their efforts, preventing criminals from exploiting loopholes.

"Every citizen must be a vigilant sentinel, working alongside authorities to combat this issue," Triet said, adding that the city will enhance equipment and ensure the safety of officers involved in drug busts.

Nguyen Dong