On 23/8, Quan was apprehended in Ho Chi Minh City by Dong Thap Provincial Police in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City Police, under a warrant for his arrest on charges of drug trafficking. He was then transferred back to Dong Thap for investigation.

Le Thanh Quan before and after plastic surgery. Photo: Police provided

According to the investigation, in 2020, Quan adopted Le Nguyen Thuy Vy, a 32-year-old delivery driver in Ho Chi Minh City, as his younger sister. Quan also introduced her to his cousin Huynh Quoc Dat, with the intention of involving both of them in his drug trafficking ring.

On 16/1/2021, Quan invited Vy to transport clothes and chemicals from Kim Bien Market to the Cambodian border, and then bring drugs back to Ho Chi Minh City. Vy agreed.

That evening, Dat drove Vy to Ha Tien City (formerly Kien Giang province) to pick up the goods. As they neared the destination, Quan abruptly changed the location to the Tan Chau - Hong Ngu ferry terminal (Dong Thap province).

At the ferry terminal, they received several boxes of drugs wrapped in black bags. While traveling to Thuong Thoi Tien town, Hong Ngu district (formerly), they were caught red-handed by the police and border patrol. Inside the boxes were 77 kg of drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA.

Vy and Dat identified Quan as the ringleader, but he had already fled and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Drugs seized from Le Nguyen Thuy Vy and Huynh Quoc Dat. Photo: Police provided

According to Dong Thap Provincial Police, during 4 years on the run, Quan underwent extensive facial plastic surgery to change his appearance. He also changed his identity and occupation, severing all contact with his family and acquaintances.

After persistent surveillance of Quan's network, police identified a suspicious man in Long Binh ward, Ho Chi Minh City. This man bore some resemblance to the fugitive, but his face was completely different.

Investigators closely monitored the suspect, gathering information from multiple sources, while being careful not to tip him off. "Based on years of experience, officers determined that although the suspect's facial features were different from Quan's, the shape of his ears remained unchanged," an investigator said.

After confirming the suspect's identity as Quan, officers apprehended him while he was riding a motorcycle. Quan confessed to being the wanted fugitive.

Regarding Quan's accomplices, three years prior, Vy was sentenced to death and Dat received a life sentence by the Dong Thap Provincial People's Court for drug trafficking.

Ngoc Tai