Just released from prison, sentenced to 20 years in prison for transporting 1,200 synthetic drug pills

On March 20, Nghe An Provincial People's Court opened a first-instance criminal trial of defendant Tran Ngoc Anh (born 1988, residing in Hung Dong commune, Vinh city) for the crime of "Illegal transportation of narcotics".

Defendant Tran Ngoc Anh. Photo: Tan Ky

According to the indictment, at about 3:00 p.m. on July 5, 2017, Tran Ngoc Anh received a phone call from a friend abroad, asking him to go to Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Vinh City to receive a package.

This person also informed Ngoc Anh that this was ecstasy, to remember to keep it and deliver it when someone called. After finishing the job, the friend promised to pay her handsomely.

Afterwards, Tran Ngoc Anh went to the appointed place and received a styrofoam box. When he opened it, he found 6 cardboard boxes inside, each containing synthetic drugs. Not daring to take it home, Ngoc Anh took it to a friend’s house to hide.

At around 10pm the same day, Tran Ngoc Anh called a taxi to take the goods home but was suddenly discovered and caught red-handed by Vinh City Police.

According to the appraisal results of the authorities, the seized evidence was 1,200 synthetic drug pills, with a total weight of 448.11 grams.

At the trial, Tran Ngoc Anh initially answered vaguely. However, knowing he could not escape punishment, the defendant confessed his crimes.

According to records, Tran Ngoc Anh had just finished serving a sentence of 8 years and 6 months in prison for "Robbery" for more than a year, and was under probation when he continued to commit crimes.

Considering the seriousness of Tran Ngoc Anh's crime, his bad character, and his previous convictions, the panel sentenced Tran Ngoc Anh to 20 years in prison.