On 10/6, the Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with the Border Guard Command, Coast Guard, Customs, Ho Chi Minh City Police, and police from 10 other provinces and cities, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking operation, arresting over 400 individuals.

A suspect in the drug ring. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Previously, through intelligence gathering, the Department of Drug Crime Investigation Police (C04) identified a large-scale, highly organized group involved in drug trafficking from abroad into Vietnam.

The group used encrypted social media for communication, frequently changed phone numbers, and fragmented the transportation process through multiple intermediaries to evade law enforcement.

C04 led the establishment of Special Case 126N, collaborating with the Border Guard Command, Coast Guard, Customs, and police from 11 provinces and cities to conduct the arrests.

The arrested suspects. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Following a lengthy surveillance period, on 15/4, the task force simultaneously apprehended three main suspects at two locations, subsequently controlling other members across 11 provinces and cities.

The special case committee reported that the plan was meticulously developed, with checkpoints established on critical routes and contingencies prepared for resistance. During the initial phase, 119 individuals were arrested, ensuring the safety of both civilians and participating forces throughout the operation.

Case files revealed this was a closed and aggressive criminal organization. Most members had prior convictions or records and were prepared to use firearms to resist arrest. They exploited high technology, bank accounts, and virtual e-wallets for remote operations, and fully leveraged rugged border terrain to smuggle drugs into the country.

Continuing to expand the investigation to dismantle the entire network, from transportation to distribution, the special case committee tracked down and increased the total number of arrests in giai doan 1 to 403 individuals.

Evidence hidden by the criminal gang. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Total seized exhibits included: 88,3 kg of synthetic drugs, 6,386 ecstasy pills, 19 heroin bricks, 416 packages of "happy water" (a drug type), a large quantity of N2O gas (laughing gas), 7 firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, 16 automobiles, and nearly VND 4,5 billion in cash.

To date, investigators have initiated 45 cases, charged 230 defendants, and issued administrative penalties to 114 individuals. Authorities are continuing to categorize and consolidate files for the remaining individuals for further processing.

For successfully dismantling the entire ring, on 19/5, the Prime Minister sent letters of commendation to 9 participating units, while Ministry of Public Security leaders also issued commendation decisions for 35 collectives.

Quoc Thang