Cao Bang police have arrested three Chinese nationals for allegedly smuggling military-grade guns and suspected drugs across the Vietnam border.
On the morning of June 10, police in the northern province of Cao Bang reported that the three individuals had entered Vietnam illegally from Laos and Cambodia and had travelled to the border area of Ha Quang District to cross into China without documentation.
In a coordinated operation with border defence forces, local police conducted a covert raid and apprehended the suspects.
A search of the suspects' belongings revealed a large cache of military weapons and contraband, including seven handguns, three rifles, two grenades, 470 rounds of ammunition, two packets of a white powder suspected to be heroin, and various other items.
During preliminary questioning, one man admitted to purchasing the weapons and ammunition in Laos. He then hired the other two to transport the items overland across the Vietnam-Laos border into Vietnam, aiming to smuggle them into China. The leader entered Vietnam via Noi Bai International Airport and arranged to meet the others in Hanoi before travelling to Cao Bang for the illegal border crossing.
Initial findings suggest the suspects may be charged with illegal possession of narcotics, illegal possession of military weapons, and unlawful entry and exit.
The case remains under investigation by local authorities.
