On 24/3, the People's Court sentenced three defendants to life imprisonment for illegal drug possession: Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, 39 years old, residing in Phu Tho province; Nguyen Quang Nam, 31 years old, and Ha Ngoc Giang, 45 years old, both residing in Hanoi. The case exposed an elaborate drug operation centered around a hidden container in the capital's outskirts.
Giang had two prior convictions for robbery. Nam, who had a prior conviction for illegal drug possession, received an additional three years in prison for illegal military weapon possession, resulting in a combined life sentence. Also involved in the case, Ngo Viet Nhan, 33 years old, residing in Da Nang, and Vuong Chi Vui, 31 years old, residing in Hanoi, were each sentenced to 20 years in prison for illegal drug possession.
The illicit network was uncovered on the afternoon of 11/6/2024, when police apprehended Nam in an urban area in An Khanh commune, Hoai Duc district, while he was engaged in a drug transaction. Authorities seized three nylon bags containing 900g of methamphetamine. On the same day, Nhan and Vui were arrested nearby during a related drug exchange.
Further investigation revealed that Nhung and Nam had known each other since 2016 and had been living together since 2024. Nhung covered all living expenses and rent, while Nam assisted her in drug dealing. Nam was arrested while retrieving 100g of drugs for his girlfriend.
Nhan and Giang were also part of Nhung's criminal group. In early 2024, Giang purchased and fortified a shipping container, transforming it into a temporary residence. He placed it in the Bai Rong area, Phuong Cach commune, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi, where he lived and raised chickens. This secluded location served as the base for their drug operations.
In May 2024, Nhan joined Giang at the chicken farm, assisting with the livestock. Nhan was only allowed inside the container when Giang granted permission. On 11/6/2024, following Giang's instructions, Nhan took drugs from the container to sell to a client in the Times City area, returning with 400 million dong. Nhung hired Vui for one million dong to drive Nhan to deliver the drugs.
An urgent search of the container at the Bai Rong area led police to discover guns, ammunition, and various types of drugs hidden by Giang for sale. The total volume of seized drugs exceeded 1,7 kg.
Hai Thu
