On 21/11, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Thai, 56, for illegal drug trafficking and illegal drug possession.

In connection with the case, Tong Cu Mua, 42, residing in Laos, and Tran The Hung, 35, residing in Ha Tinh province, each received 20-year prison sentences for illegal drug trading.

Defendant Mua Dua Thai previously served as Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of Na Ngoi commune, formerly part of the border district of Ky Son, retiring in 2020.

Defendant Mua Dua Thai in court on 21/11. Photo: Duc Hung.

Defendant Mua Dua Thai in court on 21/11. Photo: Duc Hung.

In court, Thai and the two other defendants expressed remorse, stating they knew their drug trading and transport activities were illegal but acted recklessly due to greed. They requested reduced sentences to return to their families and society sooner.

The Judicial Council determined that the defendants' actions were dangerous and created negative consequences for society, necessitating severe sentences for deterrence and general prevention.

According to the indictment, in 11/2024, a man named Cuong proposed buying three slabs of synthetic drugs (approximately 1.719 grams) from Tong Cu Mua for 210 million VND, to be delivered in TP Vinh. Cuong transferred 60 million VND to Mua as a deposit.

Mua then contacted Thai, hiring him to transport the drugs from Na Ngoi commune to TP Vinh for a 50 million VND fee.

Defendants Mua and Hung (from left), answering questions. Photo: Hung Le.

Defendants Mua and Hung (from left), answering questions. Photo: Hung Le.

On 24/11/2024, when an acquaintance from Laos brought the drugs to the Vietnam border, Mua called Thai to meet and collect the goods for delivery. At 19 h that day, upon reaching Nghi Loc district, Thai hid the drugs by N5 road and sent a photo of the location to Mua.

Mua then called Cuong to pick up the drugs, but Cuong reported being busy. Mua then instructed Hung to go to the N5 road meeting point to collect the drugs for sale, promising a 20 million VND fee upon successful transaction.

Around 7 h on 25/11/2024, as Hung retrieved the bag containing drugs in Nghi Loc district, police raided the location and apprehended him, seizing over 1.719 grams of drugs. A few days later, Thai and Mua were arrested.

Authorities searched Thai's residence and seized an additional 0,782 grams of drugs. The former commune secretary stated he bought these drugs in Laos in 6/2024, intending to use them for treating buffalo and cattle.

Duc Hung