The Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy has charged Nguyen Hong De, 35, from Lam Dong Province, and Phung Ly Phuc, 35, from Ho Chi Minh City, with illegally trafficking narcotics.
The suspects bought more than half a tonne of drugs (Illustrative photo: T.M.).
According to the indictment, De began dealing drugs in 2017. In August 2023, he repeatedly purchased narcotics from an unidentified supplier before transporting them to Ho Chi Minh City for distribution.
The following month, De allegedly began sourcing methamphetamine and ketamine from a Thai national known only as "A Che". The drugs were transported to Ho Chi Minh City, where Phuc received, stored and delivered them to buyers under De's instructions.
Investigators identified five major transactions involving the group.
In late September 2023, De and Phuc allegedly purchased 100 kilograms of drugs from A Che at USD 7,700 per kilogram. The shipment was transported to Ho Chi Minh City by an associate identified only as A Xay.
The pair allegedly bought another 100 kilograms in October 2023, followed by 179 kilograms one month later.
In early January 2024, they allegedly purchased 155 kilograms of drugs, including 40 kilograms for De, 80 kilograms for Phuc and 35 kilograms for another suspect.
In early March 2024, they allegedly ordered a further 120 kilograms, including 30 kilograms for De, 70 kilograms for Phuc and 20 kilograms for another suspect.
Prosecutors said Phuc joined De's drug trafficking operation in 2020. His role was to receive shipments, store the drugs and deliver them to buyers in exchange for payments ranging from VND 10 million to VND 20 million (approximately USD 382-764) per delivery.
De allegedly handled all negotiations and transactions with suppliers, while payments were made through bank accounts registered to either De or Phuc before being transferred to accounts designated by De.
Phuc rented a house in Binh Hung Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City, to store the drugs.
On October 26, 2023, acting on De's instructions, Phuc allegedly accompanied another individual to collect a shipment before transporting 149 kilograms of drugs to the rented property.
Authorities directly seized more than 160 kilograms of drugs during the investigation. However, based on statements from the defendants, investigators believe the total quantity of drugs successfully imported and distributed by the network was significantly larger.