On 24/4, Le Nguyen Huy Hoang (31) and Nguyen Nhat Doanh (28) were sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 16 years and 6 months in prison for illegal drug trafficking.

Nguyen Ton Thuy Khanh (31), Hoang's wife and the principal in the case, received an 18-year prison sentence for the same offense.

Hoang testified that he worked as a flight attendant for several airlines from 2016 to 2022, participating in rescue flights during the Covid-19 pandemic. He then quit his job and joined his wife in drug trafficking.

Defendants Le Nguyen Huy Hoang (left) and Nguyen Ton Thuy Khanh (right). Photo: Binh Nguyen

The indictment states that from 2021, Khanh began trafficking drugs from an individual named Ken, whose background is unknown. A year later, she switched to sourcing "goods" from someone named Muc, citing lower prices. During her operations, Khanh enlisted her husband and Doanh, her cousin, to deliver the drugs, paying them from 200,000 VND to one million VND per delivery.

From July to September 2023, Khanh, her husband, and her cousin carried out 7 transactions, involving 600 grams of drugs and 700 ecstasy pills.

The last transaction occurred on 14/9/2023, when Khanh, while in Binh Thuan, ordered 100 grams of drugs from Muc. Khanh instructed Doanh to pick up the shipment, while Hoang used his wife's bank card to withdraw money to pay for the drugs.

That same evening, Khanh directed Hoang to deliver drugs to individuals introduced by Muc. En route, Hoang was caught red-handed by authorities. A search of the defendants' residence led to the seizure of nearly 400 grams of various drugs.

Responding to the judicial panel, the defendants admitted their criminal acts as outlined in the indictment.

Defendant Hoang expressed remorse, stating he felt guilty towards his family, particularly his young child who would grow up without both parents. "I hope the court will grant me a lighter sentence so I can return home sooner to care for my child. I promise to teach my child to be a good person in the future", Hoang said.

Khanh also showed regret, acknowledging her wrongful actions had a significant negative impact on society. At the time of the offense, she was pregnant and later gave birth in prison. Her young child is now being raised by her maternal grandparents, while Khanh's parents are elderly and face difficult circumstances. Khanh requested the court consider a reduced sentence to return and care for her child sooner.

Binh Nguyen