On 11/3, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department's Drug Crime Investigation Police Division (PC04) announced the arrest of more than 30 individuals. This major bust followed an earlier interception on 2/3, when PC04 Team 4, in coordination with the police of Thai My Commune (formerly Cu Chi district), stopped a suspicious car. Inside, Vo Minh Thinh, 33, was found hiding over 7 kg of various illicit drugs.

Suspects in the drug ring. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Based on Thinh's testimony, investigators quickly expanded their probe, apprehending Tu Thanh Thien Tan, Lam Quoc Hung, and Nguyen Phuoc Thinh, identified as pivotal figures in the operation. Additionally, 26 other individuals connected to the ring were arrested.

Initial investigation results reveal the group sourced drugs from the border area of Tay Ninh province, adjacent to Cambodia. The illicit substances were then transported to communes in Ho Chi Minh City for concealment, before being divided and delivered to distributors across the inner city, Tay Ninh, Tra Vinh, and Dak Lak.

To date, PC04 has seized a total of over 17 kg of various drugs, nearly 1,000 ecstasy pills, and 60 packets of "happy water" (a recreational drug mixture).

The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Ecstasy and crystal meth. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police.

The complete dismantling of this drug ring, from its leaders to its distribution links and users, aligns with a resolution by the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. This initiative aims to foster a drug-free city and bolster security for the upcoming National Assembly elections.