Vietnam dismantles ring smuggling 1.2 tons of drugs from Golden Triangle
Vietnamese police have dismantled a major transnational drug trafficking network, arresting 13 suspects and seizing 777 kg of synthetic narcotics, the Ministry of Public Security’s Drug Crime Investigation Police Department announced Thursday.
The months-long operation began in July after investigators detected suspicious activity involving two Hanoi residents. Around the same time, border guards identified a separate Laos-to-Vietnam smuggling ring run by two organizers from Nghe An and Phu Tho provinces. Subsequent probes found out that the networks were connected.
Police described the ring as « highly sophisticated and tightly organized. » The alleged mastermind, identified only as « Long », is a fugitive hiding overseas. Operatives worked in isolated cells, communicating solely via encrypted apps like Telegram and Signal under pseudonyms and never meeting in person. Drugs were cached in remote drop points, with couriers receiving only GPS coordinates and photos.
One key suspect, 43-year-old Chu Anh Tuan from Phu Tho, was recruited by Long during a trip abroad and paid VND3 million (US$115) per kg to receive and distribute shipments inside Vietnam.
In May, Tuan allegedly took delivery of 300 kg at a local stadium, temporarily stashed the drugs at a relative’s house, repackaged them, and relocated the cache near a cemetery. Couriers then collected batches of 2-24 kg each, and the entire 300 kg were moved undetected within two months.
In August, another operative, Tran Duc Thanh, agreed to smuggle 930 kg from Laos to Hanoi for $250,000. He hired a container truck that crossed the border carrying 49 sacks of narcotics. The load was delivered to Tuan on Aug. 17 and again hidden at his relative’s residence. Over the following month, more than 200 kg were distributed nationwide, including to southern Vietnam.
At 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 21, police simultaneously raided sites in Phu Tho, arresting Tuan and several accomplices and seizing 706 kg of synthetic drugs, a vacuum-sealing equipment and documents. Coordinated raids in other provinces netted 11 more suspects and an additional 70 kg.
Police later identified Long as Tran Van Quyet, a 40-year-old Ho Chi Minh City resident already wanted on two prior drug-trafficking warrants. Quyet is believed to be hiding near the Golden Triangle and continues to orchestrate large shipments with foreign partners.
They described the bust as a major victory and a demonstration of close coordination between police and border defense forces.
On Oct. 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a commendation letter praising the units involved.
Vietnamese News Agency – November 21, 2025