Ho Chi Minh City Police said on May 22 that the operation targeted a drug distribution ring operating across southern Vietnam and the Central Highlands.
The suspects after their arrest (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
According to investigators, authorities initially identified Dang Phan Thanh Tung as a drug addict involved in small scale illegal drug trading in areas including Ben Cat Ward, Thoi Hoa Ward, Thu Dau Mot Ward, Phu Loi Ward, Thuan Giao Ward and An Phu Ward in Binh Duong Province.
The investigation later uncovered additional links and suspected members connected to the network.
On April 15, police caught Tung transporting illegal narcotics for distribution. Officers also arrested three suspects accused of supplying drugs to him.
Suspect Dang Phan Thanh Tung (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
During the investigation, police discovered that the operation extended into southern provinces and the Central Highlands region. Authorities subsequently intercepted another suspect allegedly transporting more than 5kg of drugs from the Central Highlands to Ho Chi Minh City for distribution.
So far, police have detained and processed 140 suspects. Authorities have formally charged 105 people, while 35 others were sent to compulsory drug rehabilitation centres.
Investigators said they seized more than 9kg of synthetic drugs along with other evidence linked to the case.
Police also identified and took action against several individuals accused of acting as lookouts, accomplices and facilitators who allegedly helped conceal the criminal activities.