Twelve death sentences and life imprisonment handed down to members of a massive drug trafficking ring.

After more than 10 days of trial, on the afternoon of December 30, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Court announced the verdicts for 25 defendants in the "massive" drug trafficking ring.

Six death sentences handed down among 25 defendants in a massive drug trafficking ring.

The court handed down six death sentences and six life sentences to defendants who played key roles in this drug trafficking ring.

Accordingly, the ringleader Hoang Van Tien and five other defendants, namely Nguyen Toan Thang (born in 1975); Nguyen Thi Tuyet Hanh (born in 1976); Hoang Van Bac (born in 1964, all registered permanent residence in Bac Giang City, Bac Giang Province); Tran Duc Viet (born in 1990, residing in Moc Chau town, Moc Chau district, Son La province); and Bui Dang Duc (born in 1966, residing in Hang Bac ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi), were sentenced to death.

Six other defendants, namely Tran Thu Hang (wife of Hoang Van Tien), Luong Thi Thao, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Thi Hoa, Nguyen Manh Toan, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, were sentenced to life imprisonment; seven defendants received sentences ranging from 14 to 20 years in prison, three defendants received sentences ranging from 6 to 7 years in prison, and the remaining three defendants received sentences ranging from 24 to 28 months and 16 days in prison.

According to the indictment, defendant Hoang Van Tien was arrested in Tien Yen district, Quang Ninh province. Between February 2011 and early March 2012, Tien purchased heroin and methamphetamine from Song A Lau and other individuals in Moc Chau, Son La, to transport with his accomplices Nguyen Manh Toan, Luu Thai Anh, Nguyen Van Thuan, Do Thanh Nam, etc., to Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, and Lang Son to sell to several defendants in the same case and other individuals.

Defendant Hoang Van Tien was involved in the buying and selling of a total of 5,346 blocks of heroin, 35,200 synthetic drug pills, and 1,100 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

In addition, the defendant Tien also illegally possessed a K59 pistol along with 7 rounds of military ammunition.

During the investigation of the case, the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Quang Ninh Provincial Police seized 22 blocks of heroin; 32.76 grams of Ketamine, 60 synthetic drug pills, 1.03 grams of Methamphetamine; and 121.63 grams of dried cannabis leaves and flowers.

The drug trafficking case involved up to 114 defendants (including 30 who were sentenced to death in phase 1).

According to Justice