Authorities busted a mobile gambling den that also served as a drug retail outlet.

On June 3rd, the Criminal Investigation Agency of Yen Thanh District Police arrested a group of individuals involved in gambling, which also served as a gambling den.drug retailThe seized items included nearly 100 million VND found on the gambling table, over 160 ecstasy pills, 13 grams of heroin, and ketamine.

According to information from the investigating agency, recently, through intelligence gathering and crime reports from the public in the area, the Yen Thanh District Police learned that Nguyen Van Hai (born in 1974), residing in Hamlet 9, Cong Thanh Commune, Yen Thanh District (a long-time drug addict), showed many signs of illegal drug trafficking and organizing gambling at his private residence.

The scene and evidence found at the gambling den. Photo: Thao Nguyen

In response to the situation, the leaders of the Yen Thanh District Police directed the Criminal Investigation Team for Criminal, Economic, and Narcotics Crimes to establish a special case to apprehend the suspect, ensuring security and order in the area and strengthening public trust.

During the investigation, the task force determined that Nguyen Van Hai was a suspect with a long criminal record, extremely cunning and stubborn, and had many ways to evade the police force when discovered and arrested.

Specifically, to conceal his criminal activities, Hai built a sturdy house with surrounding walls and a strong iron frame, and installed a modern camera system for easy monitoring. Every day, many drug addicts from nearby areas came to buy drugs, but Hai only dealt with acquaintances, absolutely refusing to do business with strangers. After receiving the money, he would sneak the drugs out through a window crack. These factors made the task of apprehending him extremely difficult.

Nguyen Van Hai and the seized drugs. Photo: Thao Nguyen

Furthermore, Nguyen Van Hai was also a gambling addict. He frequently gathered individuals from within and outside the area to organize mobile gambling sessions (often changing locations) to avoid detection by law enforcement, and also sold drugs to gamblers. Therefore, Nguyen Van Hai assembled individuals with a long history of gambling and drug addiction so that when discovered and arrested, they could give unified statements to evade responsibility and refuse to admit their crimes.

After monitoring the movements of Nguyen Van Hai and those who frequently associated with him, the special investigation team determined that they had to catch Hai and his accomplices red-handed so that they would have no reason to deny their criminal acts.

The special investigation team employed sharp investigative techniques to gather evidence and documents, while also selecting the opportune moment to crack the case. At approximately 9:20 AM on June 1, 2021, a source reported that Nguyen Van Hai and a group of individuals were organizing gambling using the dice-shaking method at Hai's private residence. Recognizing that the time to crack the case had arrived, the task force unexpectedly raided the premises, catching seven individuals red-handed, including: Nguyen Van Hai (born 1974), Nguyen Van Chin (born 1981), Nguyen Van Thuan (born 1988), residing in Cong Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district; and Nguyen Thi Lien (born 1990), residing in residential area No. 3, Anh Son town, Anh Son district. Phan Đình Năm (born 1975), Phạm Xuân Cương (born 1995), and Nguyễn Bá Lĩnh (born 1966), all residing in Liên Thành commune, Yên Thành district, were engrossed in gambling.

A group of people gambling. Photo: Thao Nguyen

The evidence seized at the scene included: 93 million VND in cash; one set of porcelain plates and bowls and four dice... At the same time, the special task force conducted an urgent search of Nguyen Van Hai's private residence, seizing an additional 162 ecstasy pills; 8 grams of heroin and 5 grams of ketamine, along with many items used in drug trafficking.

At the police station, faced with irrefutable evidence and documents, the suspects confessed and admitted their crimes. The Yen Thanh District Police are currently continuing their investigation and expanding the case.