The Investigation Police Department on Drug-related Crimes under the Ministry of Public Security has dismantled a large-scale synthetic drug production ring, led by a Taiwanese, in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, located in south-central Vietnam.

They seized 1.4 metric tons of highly pure ketamine and nearly 80 metric tons of chemicals, arresting 11 suspects.

The detainees include four Chinese nationals, three Taiwanese, and four Vietnamese.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Vien, head of the department, assessed the drug manufacturing facility in Nha Trang City as the largest and most serious operation of its kind ever uncovered in Vietnam. 

Zhang Chunming, a 51-year-old Taiwanese national, was identified as the ringleader.

Zhang arrived in Vietnam in 2021 under the guise of investing in an ornamental fish farming business.

Zhang was living with Pham Thi Le Han, 30, a resident of Khanh Hoa Province, as a couple. 

Doan Van Hung, a 42-year-old resident of the province, assisted him in the illegal operation.

In November 2024, Zhang leased a plot of land covering 1,000 square meters in a remote cemetery area in Vinh Luong Commune, Nha Trang.

This isolated location, difficult to access, provided an ideal setting for his illicit activities. 

To store raw materials, chemicals, and necessary equipment, Zhang also rented an additional 300-square-meter plot about three kilometers away.

Zhang recruited four Vietnamese nationals and two Chinese with experience in drug production to help with the stage of manufacturing white powder, which was later refined into pure ketamine at a facility at 47 Cat Loi Street in Nha Trang.

All drug production activities were carried out overnight and early in the morning. 

After each stage, the group would replace workers to maintain secrecy and avoid detection.

Following months of surveillance, the task forces decided to launch a crackdown and raid operation. 

At midnight on March 22, nearly 200 police officers stormed multiple locations, arresting individuals in the act of manufacturing illegal drugs.

During the raid, police confiscated a total of 1.4 metric tons of ketamine with extremely high purity and nearly 80 metric tons of chemicals, and detained 11 suspects.

The operation was the result of close international cooperation, particularly with Chinese authorities. 

In August 2024, intelligence shared by China alerted Vietnamese authorities about two suspects linked to illicit drug production in China. These individuals had entered Vietnam with a large shipment of glass tubes, suspected to be connected to drug manufacturing.

In response to this information, the department launched an extensive investigation and verified the details.

PM commends forces for busting large-scale drug production ring

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has praised the special task forces for dismantling such a large-scale synthetic drug production ring.

In his letter of compliments, the government leader said their exemplary achievement contributed to cutting off drug supplies, preventing attempts to turn Vietnam into an international drug transit hub, and building a drug-free environment both domestically and regionally.

They are officers from the Investigation Police Department on Drug-related Crimes, the provincial police, the Ministry of Public Security’s Bureau of Technical Services, customs officials, and anti-smuggling units, among others.

He also highly valued the close cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese police forces, as well as the effective coordination between the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies.

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