On 22/6, Dam Thi Mai and several accomplices were arrested by Ho Chi Minh City Police. They face charges related to the manufacturing, storage, transport, and trade of tools used for illicit drug production or consumption.

Glass pipes crafted in various shapes for drug use. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The investigation began in early june, stemming from a small lead. Team 3 of the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department (PC04), working with Binh Tan ward Police, inspected a house in the area.

Inside the house, authorities found Ho Thi Bao Nhi and Huynh Van Thang, both testing positive for methamphetamine. A search of the premises yielded two packages of drugs, one used glass pipe, and 10 new, unopened glass pipes that had just been delivered.

Police search a glass pipe manufacturing workshop. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Determined to disrupt the supply chain of drug paraphernalia, PC04 expanded its investigation using intelligence from Tan Dinh ward Police. Following the delivery trail, the special task force conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations.

At the workshops, police seized over 100,000 items, including both finished products and semi-finished goods. The haul included 14,000 glass pipes, nearly 2,000 bongs, and tens of thousands of various glass tubes. Authorities also found a substantial amount of precision scales, zip-lock bags, gas cylinders, oxygen tanks, oxygen generators, and specialized blowtorches—all equipment used in the manufacturing process.

Police inspect glass pipe manufacturing facilities serving drug users. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Investigators identified Dam Thi Mai as the ringleader, directly overseeing the entire production and distribution process. Operating under the guise of a legitimate glass and household goods business, Mai and her accomplices established a comprehensive supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing the illicit products.

To evade detection, the group primarily conducted transactions via social media and distributed their products through online delivery platforms. Fully aware that these items were widely used for illicit drug consumption, the group nevertheless continued manufacturing, buying, and selling them for illegal profit.

Investigators emphasize that a comprehensive system of tools and equipment supports drug use. Addressing only users or seizing drugs at the scene merely tackles "the tip of the iceberg". Therefore, consistently dismantling every link in the production, transportation, and supply chain of drug paraphernalia is crucial to eradicating the conditions that foster such criminal activity.

Quoc Thang