In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities have captured Mùa Nênh Thông, a 76-year-old man who had been on the run for nearly three decades. Thông was arrested on June 10, 2026, in Phôn Sa Vẳn village, Mường Pẹc district, Xiêng Khoảng province, Laos, following a coordinated effort between the Nghệ An Provincial Police and the Lao Ministry of Public Security.

Mùa Nênh Thông was originally wanted for transporting 6.2 kilograms of opium in Nghệ An province back in March 1997. After being detected, he fled and was subsequently placed on a special wanted list by the Nghệ An Provincial Police. For almost 30 years, Thông managed to evade capture, living in hiding and frequently changing his residence, especially during the first four years when he concealed himself in the forests along the border.

To further complicate his capture, Thông changed his name, acquired Lao citizenship, married a local woman, and settled among the Hmong community in Xiêng Khoảng, a region known for its challenging terrain. This made it extremely difficult for authorities to track him down.

After extensive investigative efforts and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, the police were able to pinpoint his location. The successful operation on June 10 marked the end of a long pursuit, bringing a notorious fugitive to justice and highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with long-term fugitives and the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border crime.