Nguyen Trung Thanh, 51, from Mai Hoa commune, was indicted and detained on March 31 by Ha Tinh Provincial Police for illegal drug trading. The indictment followed a six-day manhunt where Thanh evaded capture by navigating forests and swimming across the Ngan Sau River.
In connection with the case, Phan Trong Tai, 46, also from Mai Hoa commune, and Tran Quoc Hoan, 43, from Vu Quang commune, were also indicted and arrested for illegal drug possession and concealing a crime.
According to the investigation, Thanh had been a long-time supplier and retailer of drugs in Mai Hoa commune (formerly part of Huong Son district). He had a history of previous convictions and operated a closed network, selling only to known addicts to avoid detection.
The operation to dismantle the drug ring began on the afternoon of March 12, when police caught Tai in possession of 5 pink ecstasy pills. During questioning, Tai and others implicated Thanh, stating they purchased drugs from him for personal use.
Around 5 p.m. on the same day, authorities searched Thanh's residence, seizing nearly 196 grams of pink ecstasy pills, over 69 grams of heroin, and 17.6 grams of crystal meth. Realizing he was discovered, Thanh fled into the forest, utilizing the rugged mountainous terrain, swimming across the Ngan Sau River, and constantly changing direction through streams and trails to escape.
Three days later, Thanh attempted to flee to Laos via a trail, contacting Hoan for assistance. Police subsequently arrested Hoan, while Thanh continued to hide in the forest.
On March 18, Thanh emerged from the forest and swam across the Ngan Sau River, near Van Giang village in Mai Hoa commune, attempting another escape. Detectives, lying in ambush, apprehended him.
Duc Hung
