Lam Dong Provincial Police announced on 24/12 that Cam has been charged with concealing a crime. Additionally, Phan Thi Kieu, 23, and Phan Ba Tay, 21, both residents of La Gi ward, face charges of illegal drug trading and possession.

The drug suitcase was seized from behind the former commune secretary's house. Photo: Police provided.

The investigation began on the morning of 13/10 when Tran Thao, 63, a former Secretary of the Son My Commune Party Committee, discovered a black suitcase in his backyard garden. Recognizing unusual circumstances, he promptly reported it to local police.

Upon inspecting the scene, officers found multiple nylon bags inside the suitcase. These bags contained white crystals, orange powder, tablets, and several small scales. Forensic analysis later confirmed the substances to be ketamine and methamphetamine, with a total weight of nearly 2.73 kg.

Authorities identified Cam as the individual who threw the drug-filled suitcase into Thao's garden. She admitted to doing so to conceal the criminal act after her accomplices were arrested.

According to the investigation, Kieu had purchased nearly 3 kg of drugs from two individuals in Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. Kieu then sold a portion of these drugs and entrusted the remainder to Tay, who subsequently stored them at Cam's residence. Ho Chi Minh City Police later arrested Kieu and her suppliers. Aware of these arrests, Cam removed the suitcase from its hiding spot, attempting to dispose of it to avoid detection.

Tu Huynh