CAO LANH, DONG THAP PROVINCE – In a major victory for law enforcement, the Dong Thap Provincial Police have announced the successful apprehension of the alleged mastermind behind a massive 77-kilogram drug trafficking operation. The suspect, who was the subject of a special high-priority wanted notice and classified as "especially dangerous," was captured following an intensive and relentless manhunt that spanned more than four years.
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| "Image of the scene of a large-scale drug bust carried out by two subjects, Le Nguyen Thuy Vy and Huynh Quoc Dat. Photo: TC" |
The case dates back to early 2021, when authorities in Dong Thap, a key province in the Mekong Delta, intercepted a significant drug shipment. While several couriers were arrested at the scene along with the enormous cache of narcotics, the suspected ringleader managed to evade the dragnet and immediately went into hiding. The subsequent investigation identified this individual as the principal organizer of the cross-border trafficking network.
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| Defendants Le Nguyen Thuy Vy (left) and Huynh Quoc Dat at the court hearing. |
A special wanted notice was immediately issued, triggering a nationwide search. For over four years, the fugitive skillfully eluded authorities, allegedly using a sophisticated network of contacts, multiple false identities, and frequently changing locations across several southern provinces to avoid detection. The prolonged evasion highlighted the suspect's cunning and resourcefulness, making the case a top priority for the provincial police department's criminal investigation division.
The breakthrough came after months of meticulous intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and the persistent work of a specialized task force. Acting on a crucial tip, investigators were able to pinpoint the suspect's location in a rented safe house in a neighboring province, where they were living under an assumed name.
In a carefully planned and executed raid conducted in the early morning hours, officers from the Dong Thap police, in coordination with local law enforcement, surrounded the hideout and apprehended the suspect without incident. The capture brought the long and arduous pursuit to a decisive end.
A senior official from the Dong Thap Provincial Police Department commented on the arrest, stating, "This successful operation is the culmination of the tireless dedication, bravery, and professionalism of our officers. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to dismantling major drug networks from the top down. No matter how long it takes or where they hide, criminals who poison our society will be found and brought to justice."
The capture is considered a critical blow to this particular drug syndicate, effectively decapitating its leadership. Authorities believe the suspect's testimony will be crucial in uncovering the full extent of the network, including its international supply routes and other key figures involved.
The suspect has been transported back to Dong Thap province for interrogation and will face prosecution on charges of illegal drug trafficking. Under Vietnamese law, crimes of this magnitude carry the most severe penalties, including the possibility of capital punishment. The arrest is being hailed as a significant achievement in Vietnam's ongoing and vigorous campaign against narcotics.
