The excuse of a drug addict woman who traveled nearly 400 km to 'ship' drugs

Vu Thi Thanh (born in 1968) grew up in May To ward, Ngo Quyen district, Hai Phong city. In the locality, Thanh earned a living by doing many different jobs, including sewing. This woman has been through two marriages. In her first marriage, Thanh and her husband had a child together. After her husband died, Thanh lived with another man but did not register their marriage.

Thanh’s husband was addicted to drugs and was arrested for his involvement in “white goods”. The man who once loved her was in trouble with the law, but Thanh did not take that as a lesson for herself. Thanh continued to use drugs despite her relatives’ advice. Thanh’s drug addiction was the reason that pushed this woman into the path of crime.

Evidence of the case. Documentary photo

According to the investigation agency's documents, around April 2019, Thanh went with a woman named Thuy (Hai Phong City) to the house of a man named Thang, in Ha Huy Tap Ward, Vinh City. When returning, Thuy told Thanh: "Someday, come to Thang's house to get drugs for me." Thanh agreed.

On May 11, 2019, Thuy contacted Thanh to make an appointment to go to Thang's house the next day to "get things for her", and would receive 3 million VND in wages. The next evening, Thanh met Thuy, received his wages, and then took a bus to Vinh City. At 9:00 p.m. on May 13, Thanh was given a cloth bag by Thang, with 2 white plastic bags inside. Thang said it was crystal meth and told Thanh: "Bring it back to Thuy". Thanh put the drugs in the bag and went out to catch a bus to Hai Phong. When she reached Hoang Van Thu Street, Ha Huy Tap Ward, she was arrested by the Mobile Police of Nghe An Province Police, who discovered 498 grams of methamphetamine in Thanh's bag.

Vu Thi Thanh was prosecuted for the crime of illegal drug transportation. At the first instance trial recently held by the People's Court of Nghe An province, the defendant appeared quite calm when testifying about the process of committing the crime. The court asked: "How long have you been addicted to drugs?". Thanh answered: for a few years. "When you are addicted to drugs, do you know that drug-related actions are against the law?". To the court's question, Thanh answered "yes". "So why did you violate the law?", the court continued to ask. Thanh replied that because her mother was old and weak, she was raising a young child. The presiding judge said that the defendant was justifying her crime. The defendant committed the crime because of greed, for money. At this point, Thanh bowed her head and remained silent.

Thanh explained that he had some talent for sewing, so he used to work as a tailor. However, the money he earned was not enough to cover the times he bought drugs for his own use. Therefore, he changed jobs, including babysitting and doing housework for others. But sometimes, before the end of the month, Thanh would advance all his salary to buy drugs to satisfy his addiction.

Defendant Vu Thi Thanh at the first instance trial. Photo: Tran Vu

Also because of drug addiction, the defendant agreed to move from Hai Phong to Nghe An to “ship” drugs for hire in exchange for 3 million VND. “What do you think about what you did?” In response to the court’s question, Thanh replied: “I know it was wrong. Now the thing that worries me the most is my young child who is at the age of eating and studying.”

Vu Thi Thanh’s trial was attended by only a few relatives. The defendant understood why her biological mother did not come because she was old and sick. However, Thanh did not understand why her 33-year-old son did not come to court...

During the deliberation, Thanh took the opportunity to talk to the man from Hai Phong. Thanh said she felt guilty towards her children, especially her 8-year-old daughter. When asked where her daughter was, Thanh replied: She is with her eldest son. Since I was arrested, the two of them have been taking care of each other. Then the female defendant continued her story.

For the crime of Illegally transporting narcotics, Vu Thi Thanh was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The court ordered the defendant to return the 3 million VND from the crime.

20 years is not a short time, but if Thanh is determined enough, he can make up for his mistakes, rebuild his life, and raise his children to be good people.