On 16/3, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Thuan to 20 years in prison and his wife, Pay Thi Ngoan, 33 years old, both residents of Hung Chan commune, to 12 years in prison for illegal drug trafficking.

In court, the couple expressed remorse, hoping for a reduced sentence to atone for their mistakes. The Trial Panel deemed their actions dangerous to society, requiring strict punishment as a general deterrent.

Defendants Thuan and Ngoan in court. *Photo: Hung Le*.

According to the indictment, on 29/12/2024, Thuan asked his wife for 25 million VND to buy drugs for resale. He traveled to Muong Quang commune (formerly Que Phong district) and purchased pink pills and heroin for 21 million VND, then called Ngoan to pick him up on her motorbike.

Thuan then gave the drugs to his wife to hold, while he drove them back. The next morning, as they passed through Hung Chan commune, they saw police signaling them to stop for inspection. Thuan accelerated and fled. After about 100 meters, they crashed their motorbike. Thuan fled on foot, leaving Ngoan to be arrested with the drugs.

While fleeing, Thuan told his wife to throw the drugs to him, but he was pursued and could not retrieve them. Thuan absconded and a warrant was issued for his arrest; he was apprehended in 12/2025.