Police in northern Vietnam have broken up a trans-national heroin and crystal meth ring operating across the Vietnam-Laos border.

Both drugs were being transported from provinces along the Laos border to Hai Phong before being distributed throughout Vietnam and into neighboring countries, officers from the local Department of Police confirmed.

The leader of the illicit organization was Ngo Trac Hiep, 52, a resident of Le Chan District, Hai Phong City.

Hiep had previously been convicted of theft five times and had spent time living in Laos and other provinces near the Vietnam-Laos border, during which time he developed relationships with local drug dealers.

The kingpin was in charge of the transportation of drugs, using his high-capacity all-terrain vehicle containing multiple hidden compartments specifically designed for the storing of contraband.

The automobile Hiep used to transport drugs. Photo: Hai Phong Department of Police

On Sunday night, police officers caught Hiep red-handed transporting 28 bricks of heroin, weighing about 10 kilograms, and eight kilograms of crystal meth from the border toward Hai Phong on the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway.

The amount was considered the largest haul ever intercepted by Hai Phong police.

They also found VND200 million (US$8,838) in cash and an electronic scale at Hiep’s house.

Investigations into the case are continuing.

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