Vietnam court hears massive drug case involving 227 defendants, flight attendants

Ho Chi Minh City's People's Court is hearing the VN10 drug case, prosecuting 227 individuals, including four flight attendants allegedly exploited to smuggle narcotics from France. Prosecutors emphasized the growing drug problem in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, and the court's determination to combat it.

The trial is part of a broader effort to align with Resolution 02 of the City Party Committee, aiming to build a drug-free Ho Chi Minh City by 2030. The case is described as a particularly serious, transnational drug operation involving a sophisticated, closed-loop network from international import to local distribution and use.

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The drug crime situation nationwide in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular is increasing, developing complicatedly, with increasingly sophisticated methods and tricks.

The investigation began on March 16, 2023, when customs officials at Tan Son Nhat Airport discovered over 11 kilograms of ketamine and MDMA hidden in toothpaste tubes carried by the four flight attendants arriving from France. Authorities identified Ha Danh Nam, also known as Huu Son, as the alleged organizer of the ring, which used various methods to disguise and transport drugs, including food supplements and candy.

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This is a particularly serious transnational drug case, large in scale, with sophisticated methods, forming a closed loop from transporting drugs from abroad into Vietnam, storing, distributing, retailing to organizing use.

Nam reportedly completed six successful smuggling trips before the seventh was intercepted. The drugs were then distributed through a network involving Hoang Sy Thang and Bui Van Anh, reaching various distribution points in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and other provinces. The defendants allegedly used encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and Signal, conducted transactions through untraceable bank accounts, and employed delivery services to evade detection.

Prosecutors noted the significant quantity and variety of drugs involved, warning of severe consequences if they had reached the community. Some defendants were also found to possess firearms and ammunition. While many defendants admitted their guilt, others denied the charges or altered their testimonies. The prosecution presented evidence including physical exhibits, digital data, bank statements, and forensic results to support its case.

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The amount of drugs transacted is particularly large, with many types, and if disseminated into the community, it will cause very serious consequences.