Greedy for 5 million VND, sentenced to 20 years in prison

On July 15, the People's Court of Nghe An province opened a first-instance criminal trial of defendant Tho Ba Thai (born 1988), residing in Tri Le commune, Que Phong district, for the crime of "Illegal possession of narcotics".

According to the indictment, on the afternoon of February 24, Tho Ba Thai walked from Mo village, Chau Phong commune to Tri Le commune, Que Phong district to play. While passing through the forest area of ​​Tri Le commune, Thai met two Mong men (Lao nationality).

Defendant Tho Ba Thai. Photo: Nguyen Duong

Through conversation, these two people hired Thai to bring a package of drugs to the Phu Phuong intersection, Tien Phong commune, Que Phong district to trade for customers. If the "deal" was successful, Thai would be paid 5 million VND.

Thai agreed and gave the Lao his phone number for easy contact. The Lao told Thai, "When you arrive, someone will call to pick up the goods. When you're done, come back here and pay me."

However, while Thai was holding a black plastic bag and walking down the highway to catch a bus to Phu Phuong intersection, Tien Phong commune to deliver drugs to customers, he was suddenly arrested by Quynh Luu district police along with the evidence. According to the appraisal results, the total amount of drugs seized was 149g of heroin.

At the trial, the defendant Tho Ba Thai bowed his head and admitted his guilt and all his actions. The defendant said that due to his low level of education, lack of knowledge and greed, he fell into the path of crime. It is known that in 2008, Tho Ba Thai was sentenced by the People's Court of Nghe An province to 15 years in prison for "Illegal drug trafficking". By October 3, 2018, Thai had completed his prison sentence.

Based on the details at the trial, the panel sentenced Tho Ba Thai to 20 years in prison for "Illegally transporting narcotics".