In a major development regarding the VN10 drug trafficking case, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy has proposed the death penalty for nine individuals, with Hà Danh Nậm identified as the principal figure in the operation. The case, which has garnered significant attention, involves the smuggling of drugs from France to Vietnam, utilizing various methods to evade detection.

On August 24, representatives from the People's Procuracy presented their arguments against 227 defendants involved in the VN10 case. Hà Danh Nậm, 52, from Nghệ An, is accused of orchestrating the drug trafficking activities, which included six successful shipments of narcotics hidden within everyday items, such as toothpaste tubes. Nậm allegedly hired Hoàng Sỹ Thắng, 39, also from Nghệ An, to receive these shipments, which were then distributed by Thắng and his nephew, Bùi Văn Ánh.

The prosecution has recommended the death penalty for Nậm and eight co-defendants for their roles in the illegal drug trade, along with a fine of 50 million VND each. Thắng faces life imprisonment with a similar fine, while Ánh has been proposed for a 20-year sentence and a fine of 30 million VND. Other defendants are facing varying sentences ranging from 18 months to life imprisonment.

The VN10 case is described as particularly severe, involving a well-organized network that facilitated the importation of drugs from Europe and Cambodia into Vietnam for distribution. The quantity of drugs involved is notably large and diverse. The defendants are accused of using sophisticated methods to conceal their activities, including hiding drugs in essential goods and utilizing secure messaging applications and unregistered bank accounts.

The prosecution emphasized the complexity of drug crimes in recent years, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by traffickers, which often involve international connections. The public trial of the VN10 case is seen as part of the efforts to fulfill the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Resolution 02, aiming to create a drug-free city by 2030.

The trial is being conducted through a combination of in-person and online proceedings, with defendants held at Chí Hòa Detention Center. The case came to light on March 16, 2023, when customs officials at Tan Son Nhat Airport detected suspicious activity among four flight attendants, leading to the discovery of over 8 kg of ecstasy, more than 3 kg of ketamine, and cocaine in their luggage. This incident prompted the establishment of the VN10 case, which has since revealed a complex network of drug trafficking.

As the trial progresses, the prosecution maintains that the charges against the defendants are justified, asserting that the evidence supports the claims of their involvement in drug trafficking. Some defendants have denied the charges, but the prosecution stands firm in its assertion that the case has been handled fairly and justly.