The suspects after their arrest (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
The investigation began on the evening of May 9, when authorities discovered a man identified as Thuan tested positive for illegal drugs during a screening operation.
Police suspected Thuan was linked to a wider and sophisticated drug distribution system. Authorities then launched simultaneous raids across multiple areas including Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Xuyen Moc, Ho Tram, Long Hai and Dong Nai City.
As a result, several drug trafficking and illegal drug use networks operating in residential areas were dismantled. Police seized large quantities of narcotics along with weapons and related evidence.
A group accused of organising illegal drug use was uncovered (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
According to Ho Chi Minh City Police, the operation to arrest the ringleaders was highly dangerous. When cornered, some suspects allegedly used pepper spray and weapons to violently resist officers, leaving several police personnel injured.
Based on statements from arrested suspects, investigators expanded the operation into Dong Nai City and arrested eight additional suspects linked to an interprovincial branch led by Vo Van Sang.
Authorities said they have now dismantled all five major drug rings allegedly headed by Tran Nguyen Duc Tho, Nguyen Tuan Kiet, Tran Hoang Phuc, Vu Thi Ngoc Huyen, Nguyen Trong Quoc, Mai Quoc Dung and Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam.
Police have arrested a total of 173 suspects, of whom 150 have been formally prosecuted.
