235 under probe in drug trafficking case involving flight attendants

The four were arrested after a security check found eight kilograms of methamphetamine and three kilograms of cocaine and ketamine hidden in toothpaste tubes in their luggage on March 16.

They said they had agreed to carry 60 kg of goods for some acquaintances including the toothpaste tubes for which they were paid VND10 million, but were "too tired" to check them carefully.

They were released after six days after the police determined they indeed had no knowledge about the drugs.

Hundreds of toothpaste tubes containing drugs were found inside the luggage of four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants flying from France to Vietnam, March 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of HCMC Customs

Nguyen Duc Thai, head of the HCMC People's Procuracy, the prosecutor's office, said at a city meeting on Wednesday said the case was one of many to indicate that drug smuggling through Tan Son Nhat airport is becoming rampant.

Drugs are disguised as gifts, sent by express delivery and carried in hand baggage, he said.

Speaking about crimes in the city, he said the number of criminal cases increased by 23% this year to 9,345.

The number of people under criminal investigation increased by 43% to 9,831.

Crimes related to social order increased by 1,061, drugs by 722 and corruption and abuse of power by 45.

The city has seen the emergence of loan shark rings that approach people in many ways including by distributing leaflets and advertising on social media, and collect debts through physical and mental harassment.

The police have looked into the debt collection methods of 79 branches of pawnshop chain F88, and arrested seven people for "confiscation of property."

The number of cases involving the use of computer networks, telecom and electronic means to appropriate property has also increased.

Thai said the police deem the bribery case at the Vietnam Register Department and motor vehicle registration centers across the city as the most serious this year.

A criminal investigation has been launched against 209 people involved in the case, including officials and registrars for taking bribes from vehicle owners to overlook violations.

Investigations have found similar violations in many cities and provinces across the country.

Dang Viet Ha, director of the Vietnam Register, was arrested in January for allegedly taking bribes from registration centers across the country.