The "cover" of the former commune chairman driving a car to "ship" over 20 kilograms of drugs.

Fall

Living in Na Ngoi commune (Nghe An province), a border area facing many socio-economic difficulties, Mua Ba Vu (born in 1983) had a more advantageous starting point than many of his peers. Having received a good education and being quick-witted and active, Vu was soon recruited as a local official.

During his career, Vu was highly regarded as a capable and enthusiastic individual who successfully completed his assigned tasks. Starting as a part-time official, Vu held various positions before becoming Chairman of the People's Committee of Na Ngoi commune. In this border region, where most commune officials live simply and their income relies primarily on salaries and allowances, Vu's family was considered relatively well-off.

Many years ago, Vu owned a pickup truck – something uncommon for a local official. Meanwhile, income from pig and chicken farming in the area was negligible. This disparity raised many questions. However, for a long time, this man showed no signs of anything unusual.

It was only when the case was exposed that the former commune chairman's "cover" was revealed.

According to the case file, on January 6, 2025, Mua Ba Vu was contacted by a Hmong man of Laotian nationality named Tu, who hired him to transport drugs from Na Ngoi commune to Nam Dan district (formerly) for a fee of 100 million VND. Enticed by the large sum of money, Vu agreed, despite knowing that this was a particularly serious violation of the law.

On the morning of January 8th, Tu informed Vu that the "goods" were about to be delivered. Realizing the distance was far, Vu called his son and asked him to come along, claiming he was going to Vinh City (formerly) to visit relatives, and that his father could drive when he got tired. Afterward, Vu drove his car to the meeting point to receive the "goods," hiding all the drugs under the rear passenger seat.

Early the next morning, Vu woke his son to continue the journey. Along the way, Vu contacted Tu, agreeing to place the drugs at a fixed point on National Highway 15A, taking a photo of the location and sending it to Tu's client so they could pick them up themselves. However, because the recipient was unfamiliar with the area, Tu asked Vu to personally deliver the drugs to the former Vinh City.

At approximately 7:00 AM on the same day, as the car driven by Vu was traveling through Hung Chinh commune, Vinh City (formerly) – now Vinh Hung ward, the police signaled the vehicle to stop for inspection.

Seeing this, Vu decided to flee. However, a warning shot was fired into the air, stopping the drug vehicle. Law enforcement quickly apprehended the suspect and seized 22,400 grams of drugs hidden in the vehicle.

The price to pay

Recently, the People's Court of Nghe An province held a first-instance criminal trial to hear the case against defendant Mua Ba Vu for the crime of...Illegal trafficking of narcotics.Standing before the witness stand, the man who had once held the position of Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune no longer appeared confident and decisive. The defendant repeatedly bowed his head, his voice barely audible as he admitted his crimes and expressed remorse for not being able to overcome his greed.

In court, the defendant testified that he used his family's car to transport over 22kg of drugs for a Laotian man, but did not know the specific identity or background of the person who hired him. On the day of the crime, the defendant was with his son, but the son only thought his father had work in the city and was completely unaware of the drug trafficking.

The defendant stated that the car was family property and requested the court to consider returning the vehicle. At the same time, the defendant admitted to acting recklessly out of greed, despite being fully aware that this was a serious violation of the law. Ironically, during his career, the defendant had participated in disseminating legal information to local residents.

While the judges deliberated, Vu quietly glanced back at his relatives, wife, and children sitting below. Once the family's pillar and a trusted figure, greed had driven him down a path of crime, causing him to lose his honor and reputation, and leaving behind deep regret for his loved ones.

The trial panel determined that the defendant's actions were exceptionally dangerous, seriously violating the State's drug management policy, and negatively impacting social security and order, thus requiring strict punishment. However, the panel also considered mitigating circumstances such as the defendant's sincere confession; his work history which included numerous commendations and the title of "Outstanding Emulation Soldier"; and the fact that his father was awarded the First Class Resistance Medal by the State.

After a comprehensive review of the case, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced defendant Mua Ba Vu to life imprisonment for the crime.Illegal trafficking of narcoticsAs for the defendant's son, because he was unaware of his father's criminal act, he was not prosecuted.

Previously, in mid-December 2024, heThai Coconut Season(55 years old), former Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Committee of Na Ngoi commune, was arrested by the police for buying and selling over [amount] along with two accomplices.28,000 pills of synthetic drugs seized across borders.Recently, defendant Mua Dua Thai was sentenced by the Nghe An Provincial People's Court.18 years in prisonRegarding the crime of illegal trafficking of narcotics.

The story of former commune chairman Mua Ba Vu is not only a personal tragedy but also a painful warning about the downfall of some officials in border areas – where drugs are always lurking. A single moment of weakness can shatter years of built-up reputation and honor, leaving behind consequences that are difficult to remedy.