Two Men Sentenced to Death in Ho Chi Minh City Drug Trafficking Case
On July 24, the People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City sentenced 15 defendants involved in a large‑scale drug trafficking ring. Two alleged leaders, Nguyễn Chí Việt (born 1988) and Đoàn Chí Hải (born 2000), both from Cà Mau, received death sentences for illegal sale of controlled substances. Four other members were sentenced to life imprisonment, while the remaining nine received prison terms ranging from two to twenty years for various drug‑related offenses.
The court said the group handled more than 25 kg of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA, using concealed methods such as hiding drugs in holiday gift baskets. Authorities seized over a kilogram of ketamine, a firearm and additional dozens of kilograms of narcotics during the investigation. The judges described the operation as “especially dangerous” and emphasized the need for a strong deterrent.
The verdict marks one of the most severe punishments for drug crimes in Vietnam in recent years, reflecting the authorities’ crackdown on illicit trafficking networks.