Launched in 2023, the investigation, codenamed VN10, stemmed from the discovery of 4 flight attendants carrying drugs into Vietnam. To date, Ho Chi Minh City police have indicted a total of 2,005 suspects, documented nearly 29 trillion VND in drug transactions, dismantled almost 500 branches of the criminal network operating across 34 provinces and cities, and exposed kingpins, seizing nearly 600 kg of drugs, 12 guns, 67 bullets, and three grenades.

Captain Tran Vinh Chien speaking at the commendation ceremony, evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Captain Tran Vinh Chien speaking at the commendation ceremony, evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Speaking tonight at the 9th National Security Emulation Congress, organized by the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi, Captain Tran Vinh Chien (Deputy Head of Investigation Team 3, Drug Crime Investigation Police Department, Ho Chi Minh City Police) discussed the initial pressures faced by investigators. Time constraints and public opinion, particularly regarding the accusation of the four flight attendants, were significant challenges.

Ho Chi Minh City police mobilized substantial resources and employed various investigative techniques to identify those who received the drug-laden packages. Ultimately, authorities concluded that the flight attendants were exploited and released them without charges.

According to Captain Chien, the pressure remained intense, with hundreds of negative social media posts questioning the legality of the release. Undeterred, Chien and his colleagues adopted a novel approach to law enforcement, focusing on prosecuting the entire criminal network, regardless of whether drugs were seized.

The task force mapped out leads and followed the trail. By targeting the entire network, including the masterminds, leaders, and even end-users, the investigation yielded significant results.

In addition to the drug trafficking case, the Congress also reviewed 11 major economic and corruption cases investigated by the C03 Department of the Ministry of Public Security over the past two years.

Colonel Nguyen Huu Son, Deputy Director of C03, explained that a common thread in these crimes is the pursuit of illegal profits. The cases involved collusion and assistance from some officials at various levels.

"When investigating these cases, we always ask why certain businesses win bids in every ministry or sector they enter. Ultimately, without corrupt officials, these businesses wouldn't be able to manipulate the system," Colonel Son stated.

Upon discovering the involvement of officials, C03 reports to higher authorities for guidance and processing. The ultimate goal is to purify the system, the economy, and create a deterrent effect across regions and sectors.

Colonel Nguyen Huu Son, Deputy Director of C03, Ministry of Public Security, on the evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Colonel Nguyen Huu Son, Deputy Director of C03, Ministry of Public Security, on the evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Addressing the 9th National Security Emulation Congress, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh acknowledged and commended the outstanding achievements of the police force in recent years.

According to the Prime Minister, the police force has deeply demonstrated a culture of service and revolutionary police culture. The entire force has also been exemplary in implementing the policies of the Party and the State, pioneering in streamlining the apparatus, and leading the country in national digital transformation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarding the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces to 12 collectives and individuals and the first-class Military Exploit Order to an individual, on the evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarding the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces to 12 collectives and individuals and the first-class Military Exploit Order to an individual, on the evening of 6/8. Photo: Pham Kien

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister urged the police force to maintain a strong people's security posture, ensuring absolute political security and social order. When combating crime, the police force should operate under the principle of "hitting accurately, hitting decisively, hitting to the end, and winning," while prioritizing prevention and using public satisfaction as a measure of success.

Pham Du