On 23/9, Trong was detained by Ho Chi Minh City police for investigation into the illegal transportation of goods across the border.

Bui Xuan Trong (right) and the smuggled sugar. Photo: Police Department

Trong had been hired by an unidentified man to transport the smuggled sugar from the Hoa Lu border gate area (Dong Nai province) to Ho Chi Minh City for a fee of 8 million VND. To deceive authorities, the man provided Trong with a transport receipt and three backdated sales invoices dated 22/7/2025 to legitimize the goods' origin.

The driver then drove an empty container truck from the Song Than 2 Industrial Park to the Hoa Lu border gate area, crossing into Cambodia via a small trail. After receiving 800 bags of sugar (each weighing approximately 50 kg, totaling about 40 tons), Trong returned to Vietnam via a back road, bypassing the official Hoa Lu International Border Gate.

Police stopped Trong's vehicle for inspection on National Highway 13 in Phu An ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The investigation is ongoing.

Nhat Vy