HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam: Vietnam, known for its stringent drug laws, recently handed down severe sentences in a high-profile drug smuggling and trafficking case. Among the 18 individuals sentenced to death, two were South Koreans. The trial, conducted over four days in Ho Chi Minh City, resulted in harsh penalties for the accused.
The individuals facing the death penalty included Kim Soon-sik, a 63-year-old South Korean ex-police officer, Kang Seon-hok, a 30-year-old compatriot, Li Tian Guan, a 58-year-old Chinese citizen, and Le Ho Vu, a 36-year-old alleged Vietnamese ringleader. Additionally, 14 others received death sentences in connection with the case.
The charges revolved around the illegal storage, trafficking, and trading of over 216kg of drugs between May and June 2020. The confiscated narcotics, totaling more than 168 kilograms, were trafficked from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City for domestic consumption and transportation to South Korea.
The operation came to light on July 19, 2020, when authorities searched a container truck in Ho Chi Minh City, discovering 40 plastic packages containing 39.5kg of methamphetamine.
Le Ho Vu faced charges of illegal transportation of drugs and using fake seals or documents of organizations. The remaining defendants were convicted of offenses such as illegal possession of drugs, illegal drug trading, illegal drug trafficking, and the organization of illegal drug use. Three individuals received life imprisonment for illegal drug trafficking, and one person under 18 years old was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Vietnam, a country with one of the highest execution rates globally, is known for routinely imposing death sentences for drug-related convictions. The execution method shifted from firing squads to lethal injection in 2013. Last year, over 100 people received death sentences in Vietnam, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Despite the harsh sentences, there is no indication of when the executions will take place. Vietnam’s uncompromising approach to drug-related offenses underscores its commitment to combating illicit activities, though it has faced criticism for its strict measures and limited transparency in legal proceedings.
