# VN10 drug trafficking case trial and sentencing > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vn10-drug-trafficking-case-trial-in-vietnam > Updated: 2026-09-02T05:00:02.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 4. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court has concluded the first-instance trial for 227 defendants in the VN10 drug trafficking case. The proceedings, which utilized a hybrid online format to connect the court with the Chi Hoa Detention Center, were expected to run through mid-September 2026. The case originated in March 2023 when authorities discovered over 11kg of Ketamine and MDMA concealed in toothpaste tubes within the luggage of four flight attendants traveling from France. Investigators determined the flight attendants were unaware of the narcotics, which were moved via a sophisticated network using encrypted messaging, proxy bank accounts, and international couriers. High-profile defendants include singer Chi Dân (Nguyễn Trung Hiếu), who requested charges be limited to illegal drug use, and model Andrea Aybar Carmona, who faces charges of both illegal possession and organizing illegal drug use. In its final rulings, the court sentenced 11 individuals to death, including the operation’s primary architect, Ha Danh Nam. Other heavy sentences included life imprisonment for Hoang Sy Thang and at least 20 other defendants. These sentences were handed down as the Vietnamese government considers legal reforms that would propose abolishing the death penalty for certain crimes, including drug trafficking. ## Claims - The court has begun the first-instance trial for 227 defendants in the VN10 drug case. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Chi Dan and his brother Nguyen Trung Tin are accused of preparing locations, tools, and funds to purchase drugs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The VN10 case originated from a seizure of over 11 kilograms of drugs disguised in toothpaste tubes at Tan Son Nhat airport. (single source) - The trial is scheduled to last until September 12. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Vietnam sentences 11 to death in major drug trafficking case A Vietnamese court has sentenced 11 people to death in a massive drug trafficking case involving a transnational network that used toothpaste tubes to smuggle narcotics. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-sentences-11-to-death-in-major-drug-trafficking-case ### 2026-08-24: Ha Danh Nam drug ring: Prosecutors seek 9 death sentences Prosecutors have recommended death sentences for Ha Danh Nam and eight others in a massive transnational drug trafficking trial involving 227 defendants in Ho Chi Minh City. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ha-danh-nam-drug-ring-prosecutors-seek-9-death-sentences ### 2026-08-17: Ho Chi Minh City court begins trial for 227 in VN10 drug case The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court has begun trial for 227 defendants in the VN10 drug case, including singer Chi Dan and model An Tay, following a major drug seizure at Tan Son Nhat airport. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-chi-dn-and-model-an-ty-appear-in-court-for-drug-case ### 2026-08-15: Ho Chi Minh City Court begins trial for 227 in VN10 drug case The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court has begun the trial of 227 defendants in the VN10 drug case, involving a massive trafficking ring that used toothpaste tubes to smuggle 11kg of drugs from France. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thanh-hoa-police-arrest-multiple-suspects-in-drug-crackdown --- Cite as: VN10 drug trafficking case trial and sentencing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vn10-drug-trafficking-case-trial-in-vietnam