Ha Danh Nam drug ring: Prosecutors seek 9 death sentences

A trial is underway in Ho Chi Minh City involving 227 defendants linked to a major transnational drug trafficking ring known as the VN10 case. Prosecutors have recommended the death penalty for Ha Danh Nam, identified as the primary architect of the operation, along with eight other accomplices for the crime of illegal drug trafficking.

Other proposed sentences include life imprisonment for Hoang Sy Thang, who allegedly managed the distribution of drug shipments, and 10 other defendants. Four defendants, including Ha Danh Nam, are currently wanted and are being tried in absentia.

Defense lawyers have requested leniency for the fugitives, citing a judicial trend toward reducing the application of the death penalty for non-violent crimes and advocating for humanitarian considerations in line with judicial reform.