Ho Chi Minh City police have made significant strides in combating drug crime, dismantling a transnational drug ring with transaction values exceeding $1 billion, a record in Vietnam.

Speaking at the 28th Conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Executive Committee on March 27th, Major General Mai Hoang, Deputy Director of the municipal police force, revealed staggering details.

"From the case of the four flight attendants taken advantage of to transport drugs from Europe, we have so far destroyed over 180 lines, prosecuted 543 defendants, and seized more than 212 kg of various drugs and 10 guns," he stated.

The police crackdown comes amidst a complex and significant surge in drug crimes, making Ho Chi Minh City a hotspot for drug trafficking, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

During the first quarter of 2024 alone, police uncovered 813 drug cases, resulting in 2,019 arrests – double the figures from the same period in the previous year. Seizures included over 15 kilograms of heroin, 64 kilograms of marijuana, and 249 kilograms of synthetic drugs.

Major General Mai Hoang highlighted the department's success in proactive policing, advising on matters of social and economic security, and implementing crime suppression campaigns that ensured a safe and secure Lunar New Year.

Unraveling the Flight Attendant Case

The billion-dollar drug network was exposed following the March 2023 arrest of four flight attendants who unknowingly transported drugs hidden in toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles sent from France. Initially detained, the flight attendants were later released when investigators determined they were unaware of the illicit cargo.

Building on intelligence gathered from this case, authorities have destroyed over 180 drug lines linked to the network. Police are aiming to prosecute 600 individuals by April 30th.

Combating Drug Crimes on Multiple Fronts

Alongside efforts targeting drug supply routes, the Ho Chi Minh City Police are working to reduce drug demand. The police have partnered with the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs to implement drug prevention programs for youth and build drug-free neighborhoods.

Major General Mai Hoang also emphasized the successful suppression of street crimes, with a significant decrease in property robberies and a commitment to reaching a 100% clearance rate. Notably, Ho Chi Minh City recorded a week without robberies for the first time in recent history.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police continues its vigilance against drug crimes, which often involve sophisticated tactics and the use of technology-based delivery services. The department has also cracked down on "black credit" operations, busting 63 cases resulting in 115 arrests.

In addition to drug and street crime, police efforts focus on combating corruption. Major General Mai Hoang reported that the investigation into a major corruption case has concluded. Files for the prosecution of 254 defendants have been transferred in accordance with the directives of the city and central anti-corruption steering committees.