According to the committee of judges, the individuals found guilty were implicated in extensive trafficking networks responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine and ketamine. Consequently, they were deemed deserving of the most severe penalties available.
The individuals found guilty in this case include Tran Nhat Thuan, his sibling Tran Nhat Thu, Ngo Van Loc and his spouse Nguyen Thi My Kha, Huynh Thanh Hai, and Nguyen Thanh Phu.
Thuan, aged 47, revealed that he encountered an individual named Pham Trung Hieu back in 2019. However, little did Thuan know at the time that Hieu was a wanted fugitive, actively evading law enforcement. In an unfortunate turn of events, Thuan succumbed to Hieu's persuasive offer and agreed to take on the dangerous responsibility of delivering illicit drugs to Hieu's clientele.
According to the indictment, on September 7, 2020, Thuan was in possession of a shipment containing 24 kg of methamphetamine, approximately 8 kg of heroin, and 10 kg of ketamine. This shipment was received from individuals associated with Hieu in Tay Ninh Province, which is located adjacent to HCMC.
Following Hieu's directions, he concealed the drugs within his residence and subsequently executed deliveries.
On September 10, 2020, Hieu instructed Thuan to transport the remaining shipment of heroin, amounting to approximately 5 kg, to Loc.
Thuan requested Thu's presence on this occasion and arranged a meeting with Loc, who is 51 years old, to exchange the shipment near a bus station located in District 12.
The siblings decided to take a car to reach the designated spot, but upon arrival, they noticed a large gathering of individuals. To avoid any potential risks, they promptly contacted Loc and revised the meeting place, opting for a gas station situated in Hoc Moc District instead. The investigating team affirmed that law enforcement officers stationed at the gas station efficiently apprehended the group while they were actively engaged in executing the exchange.
During the search of Thuan's residence, law enforcement authorities discovered an approximate weight of 4 kg of narcotics.
Additional inquiries uncovered evidence indicating that Loc's spouse, Kha, was also engaged in illicit drug trade alongside two other individuals named Phu and Hai.
On September 10, 2020, Duong Van Dong, who worked as a deliveryman, was apprehended while in possession of almost one kilogram of heroin. However, it is important to note that Dong sadly succumbed to an illness before any charges could be filed against him.
Hieu is currently under investigation by the police in an unrelated case. According to investigators, they have not gathered sufficient evidence to bring charges against him in this particular matter.
Vietnam enforces stringent drug laws that are recognized as some of the harshest worldwide. Individuals found guilty of possessing or trafficking over 600 grams of heroin or cocaine, or exceeding 2.5 kg of methamphetamine, are subjected to the extreme punishment of capital punishment.
