HANOI: Hanoi's police announced on Wednesday (Nov 4) they have dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking network operating between Cambodia and Vietnam, arresting 136 suspects and seizing more than 39kg of narcotics.
The network allegedly smuggled drugs from Cambodia through the northern province Hung Yen to Hanoi City for distribution, using social media platforms to coordinate transactions and evade law enforcement.
Investigators identified 11 distribution hubs involved in the network, making the case the largest drug-related operation in terms of the number of suspects arrested in Hanoi to date – with many among them relatives, according to the police.
The investigation began in late September 2025, when the municipal police's Department of Drug Crime Investigation detected a suspected trafficking route supplying large quantities of drugs from Cambodia.
Investigators identified Nguyen Cong Son, born in 1998 and residing in Hung Yen Province, as a key supplier. He allegedly received drugs from Cambodia before distributing them to intermediaries in the province for transport to Hanoi.
Further investigations identified Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, born in 1990, and Nguyen Viet Dung, born in 1995, as major distribution contacts in the capital.
The two, who were in a romantic relationship, allegedly worked together to sell drugs and supplied several downstream dealers across the capital city.
Given the scale and complexity of the operation, Hanoi police established a special task force, mobilising officers from various professional units and police forces in the Hong Ha and Bach Mai wards.
Between Sept 17 and Oct 30, coordinated raids were carried out across the capital, leading to the arrests of multiple groups suspected of drug trafficking.
Investigators subsequently expanded the probe to identify other members and the network's supply chain.
Police said the investigation faced considerable challenges as suspects communicated exclusively through social media accounts and maintained close family or personal relationships.
They also operated in closed circles and frequently changed their accommodation to avoid detection.
After an extended period of surveillance, investigators arrested Sơn, seizing 27.8kg of synthetic drugs of various types.
His younger sister, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, born in 2006, was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Police alleged that she used money generated from Sơn's drug trafficking activities to purchase gold and real estate in an attempt to convert illicit proceeds into other assets.
The investigation also uncovered several distribution groups operating in Hanoi, including one allegedly led by Nguyen Thanh Tung, also known as Tung “Ket”, born in 1983.
Tung, who reportedly had no fixed residence and frequently stayed in guesthouses and hotels, was identified by investigators as a prominent drug dealer operating in Ha Dong Ward and neighbouring communes and wards.
To date, the investigation agency has summoned 175 people for questioning and arrested or otherwise handled 136 suspects.
Of those, 97 have faced criminal proceedings in connection with five categories of alleged offences: illegal drug trading, possession of narcotics, organising illegal drug use, illegal drug use and money laundering.
Police said another 97 individuals had been sent for compulsory drug rehabilitation.
Seized exhibits include more than 39kg of various narcotics, one firearm, 10 bullets and other materials and documents related to the case.
The investigation is ongoing. - Vietnam News/ANN
