Mysterious figures in the case of four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants smuggling drugs from France to Vietnam

According to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Procuracy, the case dossier and the indictment against Hoàng Sỹ Thắng and 227 co-defendants have been transferred to the same-level court for trial on multiple drug-related charges.

Background of the trafficking ring

The drug trafficking ring came to light through the VN10 case. Investigators said the operation was run from abroad, and after clarifying the actions of each link, four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants who transported drugs from France to Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport were not charged.

The attendants not charged include T.T.T.N.; Đ.P.V.; V.T.Q.; and N.T.T., who were found with drugs upon arrival on 16-3-2023.

Revived investigation and alleged method

Investigators also revived the probe into four suspects who had previously fled, including Hà Danh Nậm (born 1974, from Nghệ An). Nậm is alleged to have placed drugs into toothpaste tubes and packaged them together with laundry detergent, coffee, cocoa powder, chocolate, a toothbrush, mouthwash, and shampoo. He then hired flight attendants to carry the drugs to Vietnam.

After the drugs arrived in Vietnam, Nậm allegedly instructed Hoàng Sỹ Thắng and Bùi Văn Ánh to receive and deliver the drugs to buyers under his direction.

Seizures and ongoing expansion of the case

Law enforcement authorities seized a total quantity of drugs of about 596 kg, along with weapons and other items. The procuracy said cases arising from the expansion of the investigation are still under review, with authorities working to clarify each participant’s role and pursue related individuals across provinces for prosecution.

The case is described as particularly serious, involving a wide geographic scope and highly organized criminal conduct, including the use of online platforms and electronic transactions to facilitate trafficking. Investigators also alleged the network hid more than 11 kg of drugs in items such as toothpaste tubes, detergent packaging, coffee, cocoa powder, chocolate, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and shampoo to evade detection, and then employed flight attendants and expatriate Vietnamese to transport the drugs home.

Prosecutorial next steps

In the near term, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Procuracy said it will continue implementing coordinated solutions to ensure the case is resolved in accordance with the law, promptly and severely. The agencies will cooperate with the court to expedite the trial while ensuring process and quality, and will continue expanding investigations to address cross-provincial aspects and improve coordination among authorities in handling complex, inter-provincial cases.