Police in Ho Chi Minh City have dismantled a major drug trafficking network accused of producing and distributing vape pods containing the controlled substance etomidate, arresting dozens of suspects, including several foreign nationals.
On July 31, police said they had charged 65 suspects following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of nearly 2,000 vape pods containing etomidate, along with equipment and other evidence linked to the operation.
Investigators alleged that the trafficking network was led by Hoo Jia How, born in 1996, a Malaysian national, and Melvin Tan Junjie, born in 1996, a Singaporean national.
In mid-July 2026, police arrested Hoo, Melvin and Oh Jang Fong, also born in 1996 and a Singaporean national.
During searches of the premises, officers seized 1,331 vape pods containing etomidate and 140 millilitres of etomidate-infused liquid used to refill the devices.
According to investigators, the suspects admitted that after receiving the etomidate liquid from Fong, they took it to a rented house on Cong Quynh Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, where they refilled vape pods for distribution. The products were allegedly sold to both Vietnamese and foreign customers.
As the investigation expanded, police dismantled two additional trafficking networks allegedly headed by Le Ton Nu Diem Thuy, born in 2003, from Tan Thuan Ward, and Tran Dinh Canh, born in 2002, from Binh Phu Ward.
To date, investigators have questioned 76 people in connection with the case and formally charged 65 suspects with drug-related offences. Among those charged are 10 foreign nationals, including four Singaporeans, four Malaysians and two Taiwanese.
Evidence seized includes nearly 2,000 etomidate-filled vape pods, 140 millilitres of etomidate liquid, refilling equipment and other items relevant to the investigation.
Police said the investigation is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
