Over 400 arrested in Vietnam's largest-ever drug trafficking crackdown

More than 400 people have been arrested in a major drug trafficking investigation spanning 11 provinces and cities, marking the largest number of arrests ever made in a single narcotics case in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Public Security announced on Wednesday that authorities had dismantled the drug ring under Operation 126N, seizing nearly 90 kilograms of synthetic drugs, more than 6 kg of heroin, 6,386 ecstasy pills, 416 packets of drug-laced beverages known as "happy water," large quantities of nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," seven firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, 16 vehicles and nearly VND4.5 billion (US$172,000) in cash.

The operation involved officers from the ministry’s Drug Crime Investigation Department (C04), the Border Guard, Coast Guard, Customs authorities and police forces across 11 localities.

A suspect of a drug trafficking ring is under arrest in Vietnam. Photo by Ministry of Public Security

Months-long investigation

Authorities said investigators had uncovered an organized drug trafficking network that smuggled narcotics into Vietnam from overseas.

Members of the ring allegedly communicated through encrypted social media platforms, frequently changed phone numbers and split transportation tasks among multiple intermediaries to avoid detection.

Based on intelligence gathered during the investigation, C04 established Operation 126N to dismantle the network.

After months of surveillance, authorities simultaneously arrested three key suspects at two separate locations on April 15 and launched coordinated raids across 11 provinces and cities to apprehend other members of the organization.

Investigators said the operation was meticulously planned, with checkpoints set up along major transport routes and contingency measures prepared in case suspects resisted arrest.

In the first phase alone, 119 people were detained.

Highly organized network

Police described the ring as a "professional, highly organized and closed" criminal operation.

Many members reportedly had prior criminal records and were prepared to use firearms if confronted by law enforcement.

The group allegedly relied on digital technology, bank accounts and e-wallets to coordinate activities remotely while exploiting complex cross-border routes to smuggle drugs into Vietnam.

Vietnamese police apprehend suspected drug smugglers in a major crackdown. Photo by Ministry of Public Security

As the investigation expanded, the number of arrests rose to 403.

Authorities have so far initiated 45 criminal cases involving 230 defendants. Another 114 people have been administratively sanctioned, while investigators continue to determine the roles of the remaining suspects.