The downfall of the former Chairman of Na Ngoi commune.
Having held key positions in Na Ngoi commune (Nghe An province) for many years, participating in propaganda and mobilization efforts to keep people away from drugs, just a few years after retirement, Mua Dua Thai became a link in a cross-border drug trafficking ring. The downfall of this former official, once considered "exemplary," shocked many.
Falling behind the responsibility of setting an example.
Na Ngoi, bordering Laos, has a long border with many open crossings and has long been considered a hotspot for drug trafficking and transportation. For many years, the government and law enforcement agencies have continuously propagated and encouraged people to be vigilant against crime. Among the officials actively involved in this work is Mua Dua Thai (born in 1969), who previously served as Chairman and then Secretary of Na Ngoi commune.
Throughout his career, Thai was regarded as an energetic, enthusiastic, and reputable individual in the community, receiving numerous commendations and awards. Therefore, his arrest for involvement in a drug trafficking ring came as a shock to many.
According to the investigation, around November 2024, Thai received a phone call from a relative, Tong Cu Mua (born in 1983, residing in Bolikhamsai province, Laos). Mua offered Thai 50 million VND to transport a large quantity of drugs from the border area to Vinh City (formerly). Although Thai understood that this was an illegal act, he agreed because of the money. However, for "safety," Thai only agreed to deliver the drugs to a point on the N5 road, not directly into the city.
Four days later, upon learning that the drugs had been smuggled into Vietnam, Thai immediately went to the meeting point to receive over 1.7 kg of narcotics. The man backed his motorbike into the middle of a deserted field, hid the drugs at a milestone marker, and then took a photo to send to Mua.
Regarding Tong Cu Mua, the drug buyer he contacted "reported being busy with a medical check-up" and unable to pick up the goods. Fearing exposure, Mua continued to call Tran The Hung (born in 1990, residing in Ha Tinh), persuading him to come and pick up the drugs to sell, promising a 20 million VND commission. Hung agreed and on the morning of November 25th, he went to the marked location to collect the "goods".
However, while moving, upon noticing the police following him, Hung quickly threw the sack containing the drugs onto the roadside and fled, but was promptly apprehended.
Two days later, Tong Cu Mua was arrested by authorities in Nghe An province while attempting to enter Vietnam. On November 29th, the police continued to arrest Mua Dua Thai for the same offense.Illegal trafficking of narcotics.During a search of Thai's house, authorities also discovered seven more drug pills that the defendant claimed he "obtained from Laos to treat his buffaloes and cows."
The trial and the price to pay
At the trial, all three defendants admitted to their crimes. Mua Dua Thai, in particular, repeatedly bowed his head and mumbled his confession, stating that he accepted the offer to transport drugs out of greed. “I knew it was illegal and prohibited. I deeply regret my lack of resolve and letting greed take over, causing suffering to my wife, children, and loved ones,” Thai stated, and asked the court for a reduced sentence.
Thai also confessed about the drugs found in his house: "During a trip to Laos, I heard from my wife's relatives that drugs could cure diseases in buffaloes and cows, so I asked for some to keep at home." However, this reason is not sufficient grounds to mitigate his criminal liability.
The court determined that the defendants' actions were particularly dangerous to society, violating the State's monopoly policy on drug control and causing a loss of security and order. Regarding defendant Mùa Dua Thái, despite his previous achievements in his work, his involvement in the crime as a key figure in the drug ring demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and warranted severe punishment as a deterrent.
Considering all the evidence, testimonies, and the roles of each defendant, the court sentenced: Mua Dua Thai to 16 years in prison for "Illegally transporting narcotics" and 2 years in prison for "Illegally possessing narcotics," totaling 18 years; Tong Cu Mua and Tran The Hung each to 20 years in prison for "Illegally trading narcotics."
The former commune chairman, once a leader in disseminating legal information and advising people to stay away from "white death" (heroin), has now become a drug criminal and is paying the price with a very heavy sentence. Not only does he face many years in prison, but Thai has also lost his honor, the trust of the people, and the values he had built up throughout his career.
This case is not only a painful lesson for a former trusted official, but also a warning to anyone: A moment of greed can ruin an entire career and life.
