Phu Tho (VNA) – Police in the northern province of Phu Tho have recently recommended charges against 73 suspects from across the country in connection with a major transnational drug trafficking ring, one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam to date.
According to the provincial investigation police agency, the case stemmed from a crackdown on a local drug-dealing hotspot in Cam Khe district. The ring leader was identified as Hoang Van Thu, born in 1977 and residing in Tung Khe commune, Cam Khe district. Investigators soon uncovered a vast interprovincial drug trafficking network operating on a large scale.
In June last year, the director of the Phu Tho Police formally launched a special operation, assigning the drug crime investigation division to lead the case. After more than 10 months of intensive work, the agency has brought charges against 73 individuals for various offences involving the illegal trading and possession of narcotics and military-grade weapons. Among the accused, 29 face prosecution under Clause 4, Article 251 of the Penal Code – an offence carrying the maximum penalty of death.
A suspect of the case (1st from right) has been recommended for prosecution. (Photo: VNA)
Seized evidence includes over 27 bricks of heroin (approximately 8kg), more than 278,000 amphetamine tablets (over 25kg), crystal meth (624g), ketamine (6.5kg), liquid narcotics, ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and opium. Police also confiscated a tablet moulding machine, five firearms (including two military-grade weapons), 20 bullets, five cars, over 100 mobile phones, and nearly 2 billion VND (77,085 USD) in frozen or seized assets.
꧃ The successful takedown not only prevented dozens of kilograms of narcotics from entering Vietnam, but also dismantled several highly organised cross-border trafficking operations./.
The Ministry of Public Security’s Drug Crime Investigation Department (C04) has dismantled Vietnam’s largest and most sophisticated synthetic drug lab, operated by a Taiwanese-led transnational network in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.
In his letter of compliments, the Government leader said their exemplary achievement contributes to cutting off drug supplies, preventing attempts to turn Vietnam into an international drug transit hub, and building a drug-free environment both domestically and regionally.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
