Drug syndicates have frequently segmented narcotics, concealed them within various items, and exploited flight attendants and foreigners to smuggle them into Ho Chi Minh City.

During a conference on Friday, Major General Mai Hoang, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security, addressed the evolving strategies employed by drug gangs, noting a shift in their methods in 2023.

Particularly, these criminal networks trafficked powdered drugs from overseas into Vietnam.

They utilized sophisticated machinery to prepare, process, pack, and stamp drugs into tablets. 

To smuggle these substances into Ho Chi Minh City, they resort to tactics such as disguising drugs among other goods and taking advantage of flight attendants and foreigners for transportation.

Furthermore, they have connections with foreigners residing in Cambodia, facilitating the transport of drugs into the city for resale to lower-income demographics. 

Lao individuals are also involved, disguising drugs in bags and posing as tourists to illegally transport them across the border directly to recipients in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ngo Minh Chau, deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, speaks at a conference chaired by Major General Le Hong Nam, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security, April 19, 2024. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre

Regarding the impact of such crimes, statistics reveal alarming figures. 

In 2023, there were 6,482 crimes related to social order, resulting in 88 fatalities, 509 injuries, and approximately VND1.39 trillion (US$54.6 billion) in property damage. 

However, there has been a slight improvement in the first quarter of 2024, with 1,263 reported crimes related to social order, a decrease of 17 cases compared to the same period last year. 

This resulted in 19 deaths, 87 injuries, and approximately VND429 billion ($16.86 million) in property damage.

Ngo Minh Chau, deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, commended the diligent efforts of the police force and other relevant departments. 

He acknowledged their achievements in combating crimes, particularly in addressing street crimes, robberies, and thefts. 

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