Hanoi police announced on Wednesday that they had dismantled a large drug trafficking network operating between Cambodia and Việt Nam. They arrested 136 suspects and seized more than 39kg of narcotics.
The network allegedly smuggled drugs from Cambodia through the northern province of Hưng Yên to Hà Nội, where they were distributed. Members used social media to coordinate transactions and evade law enforcement.
Investigators identified 11 distribution hubs. By the number of arrests, police described the operation as the largest drug-related case in Hà Nội to date. Police said many of the suspects were relatives.
The investigation began in late September 2025, when the Hà Nội police Department of Drug Crime Investigation detected a suspected route supplying large quantities of drugs from Cambodia.
Investigators identified Nguyễn Công Sơn, born in 1998 and living in Hưng Yên Province, as a key supplier. Police alleged that he received drugs from Cambodia and passed them to intermediaries in the province for transport to Hà Nội.
Further investigation identified Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Anh, born in 1990, and Nguyễn Việt Dũng, born in 1995, as major distribution contacts in the capital. The two were in a romantic relationship and allegedly worked together to sell drugs and supply several downstream dealers across the city.
Because of the scale and complexity of the case, Hà Nội police established a special task force. It included officers from several professional units and police forces in the Hồng Hà and Bạch Mai wards.
Coordinated raids took place across the capital between September 17 and October 30. They led to the arrests of several groups suspected of drug trafficking. Investigators then expanded the probe to identify other members and the network's supply chain.
Police said the investigation was difficult because the suspects communicated only through social media accounts, maintained close family or personal relationships, operated in closed circles and frequently changed accommodation to avoid detection.
After an extended period of surveillance, investigators arrested Sơn and seized 27.8kg of synthetic drugs of various types.
His younger sister, Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy, born in 2006, was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Police alleged that she used money from Sơn's drug trafficking activities to buy gold and real estate, converting illicit proceeds into other assets.
The investigation also uncovered several distribution groups in Hanoi. Police alleged that one was led by Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, also known as Tùng "Kết", born in 1983.
Tùng reportedly had no fixed residence and frequently stayed in guesthouses and hotels. Investigators identified him as a prominent drug dealer operating in Hà Đông Ward and neighbouring communes and wards.
To date, the investigation agency has summoned 175 people for questioning, while 136 suspects have been arrested or otherwise handled.
Of those, 97 have faced criminal proceedings in connection with five categories of alleged offences: illegal drug trading, possession of narcotics, organising illegal drug use, illegal drug use and money laundering.
Police said another 97 individuals had been sent for compulsory drug rehabilitation.
Seized exhibits include more than 39kg of various narcotics, one firearm, 10 bullets and other materials and documents related to the case. The investigation is ongoing.
Sources: Viet Nam News
