The Criminal Police Department (Hai Phong City Police) announced on 4/2 the successful dismantling of an inter-provincial ring involved in manufacturing, storing, and trafficking military weapons, leading to the prosecution of 12 defendants.

The alleged ringleader was identified as Pham Thi Truc Quynh (57, residing in Hong Bang district), who has a previous conviction for weapons possession.

To evade authorities, Quynh's group sought employment at a local footwear manufacturing company, posing as diligent manual laborers. They did not store their "goods" in one location, instead dividing them and constantly changing storage sites.

Hai Phong police inspect evidence in the case. *Photo: Police provided*

Quynh did not directly participate in transactions. Le Minh Tien (55), who has multiple prior convictions, handled all transportation activities. Proceeds were transferred through various bank accounts or cash transactions at discreet locations to erase traces.

Investigators identified a key figure in the ring as Hoang Son (60, residing in Kien An district), a former shooting athlete with deep knowledge of weapon structures and mechanisms.

At Son's residence, police discovered many machines and tools used for manufacturing and modifying weapons.

In February, police arrested Quynh and Tien while they were delivering guns to a customer. Simultaneously, another police unit raided Hoang Son's weapons workshop, preventing him from disposing of evidence.

Hoang Son and Pham Thi Truc Quynh upon arrest. *Photo: Police provided*

Expanding the investigation, police arrested several additional suspects, many of whom were notorious criminals with multiple prior convictions. Authorities seized 11 firearms, including six military-grade weapons, over 6,700 rounds of ammunition, and many stocks, barrels, silencers, and springs.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, sent a letter commending the task force for their ingenuity in solving the case.

Le Tan