QUANG NINH: Police have launched a manhunt for a suspected drug trafficker accused of fatally shooting a police officer during a crackdown on a drug trafficking ring in the northern province of Quang Ninh, authorities said on Friday (April 18).
The suspect, Bui Dinh Khanh, 31, from Ha Long City, is on the run after allegedly opening fire during a confrontation with police late on Thursday night, killing Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Dang Khai during an attempted arrest near a toll station in Dai Yen Ward.
Authorities said Khanh was last seen around 12.30 am on April 18, hitching a ride on a container truck near the Phy Thai gas station on National Highway 5B, in Kim Thanh District, Hai Duong Province.
Police are seeking information from anyone with knowledge about the truck driver or Khanh’s whereabouts to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The shooting occurred as part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking ring allegedly led by Nguyen Huu Dang, 58, who police said was caught in possession of 16 bricks of heroin near the Dragon Castle apartment complex in Hạ Long on Thursday.
Following Dang’s arrest, multiple coordinated raids were launched to apprehend other suspects, including Khanh and a group from Phu Tho Province who had travelled to Quang Ninh for a drug deal.
During one of these operations, police apprehended HàaThuong Hai, 31, from Phu Tho. However, other suspects on board the same vehicle resisted violently, using AK-style assault rifles in an attempt to free their accomplice.
In the ensuing gunfire, Senior Lieutenant Khai was struck and killed.
Initial interrogations revealed that both Dang and Hai confessed to drug trafficking. Seized evidence includes 16 heroin bricks, two military-grade firearms, one grenade, three vehicles and other trafficking-related items.
By 4.30 am on Friday, police had arrested Ha Quang Sơn and Hoang Van Dong, both from Phu Tho, who were attempting to flee the province.
Authorities have mobilised forces to seal off roads, waterways and border crossings, intensifying efforts to prevent Khanh’s escape.
Police records show that Khanh was previously wanted by Dong Trieu Police for an unrelated armed robbery charge. - Vietnam News/ANN
