Vietnam sentences 27 to death for drug trafficking

Key figures in the case

Among those sentenced was Vu Hoang Anh, also known as Oanh Ha, a notorious female crime boss. She led a 35-member drug trafficking ring responsible for smuggling drugs from Cambodia to Vietnam. Oanh Ha had a prior history with the law, having been granted amnesty in 2009 after serving a sentence for drug trafficking.

Details of the operation

The drug trafficking ring operated from March 2018 to November 2022, smuggling 626 kilograms of drugs into Vietnam. The drugs were concealed in engine blocks and cars, and the ring successfully smuggled 129 engine blocks. The network used encrypted messaging apps and false identities to evade law enforcement detection.

Financial impact of the drug operation

The operation generated approximately $54.8 million. Oanh Ha transferred up to $20,000 per trip to traffickers, who smuggled the drugs through concealed vehicles. The drugs were intended for consumption in major cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Harsh penalties for drug offenders

Vietnam is known for its strict anti-drug laws, with drug-related offenses often carrying the death penalty. The country is located near the "Golden Triangle," a major drug-producing region, which has led to an increase in drug trafficking activities. Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as a significant hub for drug trafficking as transportation infrastructure improves.

Vietnam’s execution policies

Vietnam routinely hands out death sentences for drug-related crimes. Since 2013, the country has carried out executions by lethal injection, replacing the firing squad method. However, the government is notoriously secretive about the executions, and there is no indication of when these 27 death sentences will be carried out.