On June 16, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court sentenced Nam Hyunuk, 29, Lee Dong Woo, 26, and Jeon Gukbin, 28, all South Korean nationals, to 20 years in prison each for illegally transporting narcotics.

According to prosecutors, at around 1:20 p.m. on August 23, 2024, customs officers at the security screening area of Tan Son Nhat International Airport inspected the three passengers and their carry-on luggage before departure.

During the inspection, authorities discovered a package of ketamine concealed inside the underwear of each defendant.

The defendants told investigators that they had traveled to Vietnam on August 20, 2024, to film TikTok videos introducing entertainment venues and food destinations.

On the evening of August 21, the three men visited a bar on Bui Vien Walking Street, where they met a Vietnamese woman whose identity remains unknown.

According to court records, the woman later asked Nam Hyunuk to transport a package containing what she described as nutritional supplements and health products back to South Korea. She allegedly promised a payment of 3 million won for the delivery.

Nam Hyunuk then informed Lee Dong Woo and Jeon Gukbin about the proposal, and both agreed to participate.

On August 22, Nam Hyunuk returned to the bar and received a red cloth bag containing three nylon packages from the woman.

Nam Hyunuk told investigators that the woman claimed the quantity of goods was large and advised him to hide the packages inside his underwear to avoid customs duties.

He later returned to his accommodation, divided the packages between his two companions and instructed them to conceal the items in the same manner.

At trial, all three defendants admitted to the charges as outlined in the indictment.

The court determined that the offense was particularly serious and, after reviewing all evidence and circumstances, imposed prison terms of 20 years on each defendant.

As for the woman who allegedly hired the men to transport the drugs, investigators said they were unable to identify or locate her because Nam Hyunuk could not provide sufficient personal information or details regarding her identity.

Thanh Phuong