The case stems from the discovery of more than 11.3kg of drugs in the luggage of four female flight attendants in March 2023.
Prosecutors from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy have sought the death penalty for Ha Danh Nam, who remains at large and is wanted by police, on charges of illegally trafficking narcotics. They also requested a life sentence for Hoang Sy Thang and 20 years in prison for Bui Van Anh for illegally transporting narcotics.
Spanish national Andrea Aybar Carmona, known as An Tay, faces a recommended sentence of nine to 11 years for illegal possession of narcotics and organizing illegal drug use.
Nguyen Do Truc Phuong, widely known as a charity figure, faces six to seven years in prison, while her boyfriend Vu Hai Anh faces seven to eight years. Both are charged with organizing illegal drug use.
Singer Nguyen Trung Hieu, known as Chi Dan, and his elder brother Nguyen Trung Tin each face seven to eight years for the same offense.
The remaining 219 defendants face recommended sentences ranging from 24 months in prison to death, depending on the charges. These include illegal drug transportation and trafficking, organizing illegal drug use, illegal possession of narcotics, failure to report a crime, harboring or concealing offenders, unlawful appropriation of property, and use of forged documents.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy said the country's drug crime situation has become increasingly complex, with the number of cases rising and criminal networks becoming more organized and establishing links with overseas actors.
In the VN10 case, investigators uncovered sophisticated methods used to conceal and transport drugs into Vietnam, prosecutors said.
The public trial is also intended to support the implementation of Resolution 02-NQ/TU of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on strengthening the fight against drug-related crime and social problems, with the city targeting a drug-free status by 2030.
Prosecutors identified Ha Danh Nam as a key figure in the network, allegedly linked to six shipments of narcotics concealed in toothpaste tubes and transported from France to Vietnam.
Hoang Sy Thang allegedly received the packages, divided the drugs, and instructed Bui Van Anh to deliver them to distribution points. Other defendants allegedly assisted with transportation, handovers, and other stages of the operation.
Prosecutors said An Tay provided a luxury apartment where she, Van Anh Duy, and Nguyen Phuong Dong used narcotics.
Nguyen Trung Hieu and his brother Nguyen Trung Tin allegedly prepared drugs and related equipment and contributed money to purchase various narcotics for group consumption.
Nguyen Do Truc Phuong was accused of leading the organization and preparing laughing gas, narcotics, "happy water", and ecstasy for friends to consume at a birthday party. Vu Hai Anh allegedly carried a ceramic plate containing drugs and distributed them to several people at the gathering.
Nine death sentences, 20 life terms sought
Prosecutors have sought death sentences for nine defendants accused of illegal drug trafficking: Ha Danh Nam, 52; Le Thang Anh Tu, 30; Le Nguyen Gia Bao, 25; Nguyen Huy Hoang, 30; Nguyen Tuan Anh, 37; Huynh Thanh Hung, 30; Dao Duy Phuong, 32; Van Hoang Minh, 26; and Pham Duc Duy, 31.
Ha Danh Nam allegedly headed the international transportation arm of the network, arranging for narcotics to be brought from France into Vietnam.
Le Thang Anh Tu was accused of leading the wholesale purchasing arm, obtaining drugs from Cambodia and from Nguyen Xuan Hieu for redistribution to retail dealers.
Le Nguyen Gia Bao and Tran Kien An allegedly established Telegram and Signal groups to operate a drug distribution network.
Nguyen Huy Hoang allegedly arranged wholesale purchases of narcotics from Europe and from Nguyen Xuan Hieu for resale at a profit.
Pham Duc Duy allegedly instructed Luc Chi Bao, Nguyen Hoang Anh, Nguyen Anh Kha, and Than Duc Phat to stay in an apartment where they packaged drugs and arranged deliveries. Other defendants were accused of providing active assistance or purchasing drugs wholesale.
Prosecutors have also requested life imprisonment for 20 defendants.
In addition to the primary prison terms, some defendants face additional fines ranging from VND5 million to VND50 million and orders to surrender proceeds allegedly obtained through illegal activities.
