Having spent over 1 billion VND on drug trafficking, the ringleader of an inter-provincial drug trafficking network receives a life sentence.
Having spent over 1 billion VND trafficking drugs to sell in the North, Dang Quang Tuat was arrested before he could recoup his investment. Tuat paid the price with a life sentence and his health deteriorated, forcing him to use a wheelchair on the day of his trial.
Interprovincial drug trafficking ring
Dang Quang Tuat (55 years old) was born and raised in the mountainous commune of Quy Chau (Nghe An). Although he lacked a stable occupation, his financial and lifestyle irregularities attracted the attention of authorities. Tuat frequently left the area for periods before returning. This man also regularly associated with a number of unfamiliar individuals in various locations.
During his time living in the area, Tuat became addicted to drugs and had previously been fined for illegally possessing narcotics. Therefore, he was on the police's watchlist. In late 2023, Dang Quang Tuat was identified as being involved in an inter-provincial drug trafficking ring, prompting the investigative agency to launch a special operation to combat it.
As expected, the mastermind behind this drug ring was Dang Quang Tuat. Driven by greed, Tuat purchased drugs twice. According to the investigating agency, on October 16, 2023, Tuat ordered 5 blocks of heroin (weighing over 1.7 kg) from a man named Sau (whose identity is unknown) for 575 million VND.
Subsequently, Tuất instructed his trusted subordinate, Trương Đình Luân (born in 1978, residing in Quỳ Châu commune), to receive the drugs and transport them to Trùng Khánh district (Cao Bằng province) to sell to La Thị Hoa (born in 1970) for a fee of 50 million VND. Hoa was a long-time business partner of Tuất. The following day, Luân received the drugs and took a bus to deliver them to Hoa. Because the buyer did not have enough money, they only paid 350 million VND upfront, requesting to defer payment for the remaining amount.
On December 16, 2023, La Thi Hoa contacted Tuat again, ordering 3 blocks of heroin for 600 million VND. Because Hoa had not yet paid off her old debts, Tuat initially refused to sell. However, when the buyer transferred 80 million VND in advance along with a commitment to pay the full amount upon receiving the drugs, Tuat agreed to sell.
Through an existing contact, Tuất ordered 3 blocks of heroin, then instructed Luân and Võ Văn Dư (born in 1995, residing in Quỳ Châu commune) to deliver the drugs. At 0:00 on December 24, 2023, Dư drove Luân to Châu Thôn intersection, Quế Phong district (formerly) to receive over 1 kg. Because of his drug addiction, Luân bought some more for personal use. On their way back, the two suspects were arrested by the police along with the evidence.
Based on the statements of the two suspects, the police urgently arrested Dang Quang Tuat. A search of his home uncovered two packages of drugs. On the same day, a reconnaissance team went north and arrested La Thi Hoa for drug trafficking.
The investigating agency determined that Tuat, Hoa, and Luan are criminally liable for the trafficking of over 2.8 kg of narcotics. In addition, Tuat is liable for possessing over 18 grams of narcotics, and Luan for possessing over 29 grams. Vo Van Du is liable for assisting Tuat in the trafficking of over 1 kg of narcotics.
The ringleader receives a life sentence.
For the aforementioned offenses, defendants Dang Quang Tuat, Truong Dinh Luan, Vo Van Du, and La Thi Hoa were prosecuted and brought to trial for the crime of illegally buying and selling narcotics. In addition, Tuat and Luan were also prosecuted for the crime of illegally possessing narcotics.
Unlike the other defendants in the case, Tuat had to use a wheelchair to get to court. His defense lawyer explained that Tuat was healthy at the time of his arrest, but his health deteriorated during his detention due to illness. Therefore, he had to use a wheelchair to get to court today. Because of his health, the court allowed Tuat to sit during the trial.
Due to poor health, defendant Tuat appeared tired while answering questions from the panel of judges. He confessed to spending over 1 billion VND on drug trafficking, despite knowing it was illegal. Tuat stated that he bought each block of heroin for 115 million VND and sold it for 210 million VND, making a profit of 95 million VND. He admitted to being the mastermind in the case, playing the main role in two drug trafficking operations. He also admitted to being a drug addict, and in addition to trafficking for profit, he also possessed drugs for personal use.
Tuat presented his difficult circumstances, stating that his parents had passed away and he was divorced. Therefore, since his arrest, he has received few visits from relatives. Illnesses struck during his detention, causing his health to deteriorate significantly. He expressed remorse for his actions and requested the court to consider reducing his sentence so that he could have the opportunity to return home for treatment and rebuild his life.
The remaining defendants in the case also expressed remorse for their wrongdoing. However, due to the large quantity of drugs involved, defendants Dang Quang Tuat, La Thi Hoa, and Truong Dinh Luan were sentenced to life imprisonment, while defendant Vo Van Du received a 20-year prison sentence.
Drugs not only cost Dang Quang Tuat a large sum of money, but also cost him his health, mental well-being, and freedom, leading to long and arduous days in prison.