79-Year-Old Woman Accused of Acting as Drug Broker for Cambodian 'Kingpin'

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a 79-year-old woman, Nguyen Thi Thuoc, has been indicted for allegedly acting as a drug broker for an unidentified "kingpin" based in Cambodia. She is accused of distributing heroin and methamphetamine. Ten other defendants are also facing charges related to drug trafficking, possession, organized use, and failure to report crimes. According to the indictment, Thuoc allegedly became involved in the drug trade in August 2024 while caring for her son in the hospital. She met a young man there who suggested she sell drugs to alleviate her family's financial difficulties. Initially, she reportedly rejected an offer due to the quality of the drugs, but was later introduced to a man identified as the "kingpin" of the drug ring. This individual, operating from a Cambodian phone number, reportedly communicated with Thuoc remotely and arranged for drugs to be delivered to her home. Starting in mid-October 2024, Thuoc began purchasing and selling heroin, with transaction volumes gradually increasing. In early January 2025, larger-scale transactions were reportedly underway. The day before her arrest, she received three kilograms of heroin but was unable to pay for the entire amount upfront, receiving a grace period to sell it off. However, that same afternoon, the Narcotics Investigation Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City searched her residence, seizing over 1 kilogram of heroin and nearly 300 grams of methamphetamine, along with other evidence. Thuoc also allegedly enlisted her 35-year-old granddaughter, Tran Thi Lan Anh, to create a Telegram account and use her bank account for transferring money to the Cambodian boss. Lan Anh reportedly knew her grandmother was involved in drug trafficking and assisted with money transfers but claims ignorance of the specific quantities or types of drugs involved. Investigations revealed that Thuoc supplied large quantities of drugs not only for retail but also to other intermediaries, including Pham Minh Thang. The identity and whereabouts of the alleged "kingpin" remain unknown, and authorities are continuing their investigation.