One of the largest anti-drug crackdowns in Vietnam's history has uncovered an extensive network operating across 11 localities.
A nationwide operation spanning 11 provinces and cities has dismantled one of Vietnam's largest transnational drug trafficking networks, leading to more than 400 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, firearms and illicit assets.
The Ministry of Public Security announces the Prime Minister's commendation and rewards outstanding units involved in Special Case 126N. Photo: Linh An.
The Ministry of Public Security on June 10 announced commendations from the Prime Minister and awarded outstanding units involved in dismantling Case 126N, a major transnational drug trafficking network that smuggled narcotics into Vietnam for domestic distribution.
The ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City, was chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security.
Sophisticated network used encrypted technology
Investigators from the Department of Drug Crime Investigation (C04) first identified signs of a large-scale transnational and interprovincial trafficking network through intelligence-gathering operations.
Authorities said the criminal organization operated through a highly structured hierarchy with clearly assigned roles. To evade detection, suspects relied heavily on encrypted communications platforms, anonymous accounts, virtual bank accounts and digital wallets to direct operations remotely.
The network fragmented transportation and distribution activities across multiple layers of intermediaries, making it difficult for investigators to trace both narcotics and financial flows.
Key suspects were arrested together with large quantities of evidence. Photo: Ministry of Public Security.
The group's activities extended across numerous provinces and cities. Members exploited remote border terrain, unofficial crossings and mountainous routes to move narcotics into Vietnam.
Many of those involved had prior criminal records and were reportedly armed with firearms and ammunition, prepared to resist law enforcement if confronted.
Given the scale and severity of the operation, the Ministry of Public Security established Special Case 126N in mid-January 2026.
C04 led the investigation in coordination with multiple ministry units, the Border Guard, Coast Guard, Customs authorities and police departments in 11 provinces and cities.
Simultaneous raids across 11 localities
After months of surveillance and intelligence work, investigators determined that conditions were ripe for a coordinated takedown in mid-April.
Authorities developed a detailed operational plan involving multiple strike teams and checkpoints positioned along critical transport routes.
On the first day of the operation, police arrested three key suspects at two separate locations before simultaneously moving against additional members of the network across 11 provinces and cities.
Officials described the case as the first drug investigation in Vietnam to be formally established across 11 jurisdictions and involving the largest coordinated deployment of law enforcement personnel to date.
Within the first day alone, 119 suspects were detained. Authorities reported that the operation was conducted safely without harm to officers or civilians.
Massive drug and weapons seizure
Authorities seized significant quantities of narcotics, firearms and assets during the investigation. Photo: Ministry of Public Security.
Following instructions from ministry leaders to dismantle the network from top-level organizers to street-level distributors, investigators continued expanding the case.
To date, authorities have arrested a total of 403 suspects.
The seized evidence includes:
88.3 kilograms of synthetic drugs 6,386 ecstasy pills 19 bricks of heroin 416 packets of narcotics disguised as recreational beverages 60 electronic cigarette cartridges containing prohibited substances 206 kilograms of nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Authorities also confiscated:
7 firearms 35 rounds of ammunition 16 automobiles Nearly US$173,000 in cash (equivalent to VND 4.5 billion) Numerous documents and related materials
Ongoing prosecutions
Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Van Long speaks at the award ceremony. Photo: Linh An.
Investigators have so far initiated 45 criminal cases and prosecuted 230 defendants. Administrative penalties have been imposed on 114 individuals.
Authorities are continuing to classify evidence and strengthen case files involving remaining suspects to ensure legal action is pursued in accordance with Vietnamese law.
In recognition of the operation, the Prime Minister issued letters of commendation to nine key units involved in the investigation. The Ministry of Public Security also approved financial rewards for 35 participating teams.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Long said the case demonstrated the effectiveness of coordination among police, border guards, customs authorities and the coast guard under the ministry's strategy of stopping narcotics "early, from afar, and at their source."
He added that dismantling the network from its leadership to storage facilities and drug-use locations prevented a substantial volume of narcotics from reaching major urban centers and reduced the risk of new drug hotspots emerging.
The operation also strengthens Vietnam's capacity for international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime in an increasingly complex security environment.
Vietnamnet.vn
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