At noon on May 22, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency announced the successful takedown of the major drug operation. Authorities said the case was expanded from the detection and pursuit of a drug user involved in small-scale narcotics trading in the city.

According to Ho Chi Minh City police, the operation reflected directives from the Ministry of Public Security calling for authorities to target not only mid-level traffickers but entire supply chains, including ringleaders and users.

The crackdown also followed orders from the director of Ho Chi Minh City Police during a 45-day intensive campaign aimed at reviewing and clearing crime hotspots as part of the city’s broader goal of becoming drug-free by 2030.

During the second quarter of 2026, officers from the city’s Drug Crime Investigation Division (PC04) identified Dang Phan Thanh Tung, a drug addict allegedly involved in small-scale trafficking activities across border areas connecting Ben Cat, Thoi Hoa, Binh Duong, Thu Dau Mot, Phu Loi, Thuan Giao and An Phu.

Investigators determined that Tung was likely only one link in a much larger network. PC04 subsequently proposed the launch of a specialized investigation under the codename VA0126D to dismantle the organization at its roots.

On April 15, 2026, officers from Team 3 of PC04 ambushed and caught Tung while he was allegedly transporting drugs for distribution.

Based on Tung’s testimony, multiple police units simultaneously tracked down and arrested three higher-level suppliers believed to have provided narcotics to the network. Authorities also dismantled 12 downstream branches suspected of purchasing drugs for both personal use and resale to addicts.

As the investigation expanded, police discovered that the network operated across multiple provinces in southern Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Using surveillance and investigative measures, PC04 officers intercepted another suspect allegedly transporting more than 5kg of narcotics from the Central Highlands to Ho Chi Minh City for distribution.

As a result of the operation, police arrested 140 suspects. Authorities have formally prosecuted 105 individuals, while 35 others were sent to compulsory rehabilitation facilities.

Investigators also seized more than 9kg of drugs along with other related evidence.

In addition to key suspects, police said several individuals accused of acting as lookouts, accomplices or helping conceal criminal activities were also identified and handled in accordance with the law.

According to Ho Chi Minh City police, the success of investigation VA0126D demonstrated the force’s determination to combat drug-related crimes, maintain public security and move toward the city’s long-term anti-drug objectives.