~ Le Viêt Nam, aujourd'hui. ~
The Vietnam News

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[Year 2002]

Seven people arrested for dealing ecstasy, ketamine in Vietnam

HANOI - Police in Vietnam seized 1,000 ecstasy pills and 50 grams of ketamine and arrested seven people in Ho Chi Minh City for trafficking in the drugs, police said Thursday. The suspects, who police believe also operate in the northern port city of Hai Phong, are accused of supplying nightclubs and bars in Vietnam's largest city, said an anti-narcotics police officer who declined to be named. "We are trying to find out where they get the drugs. The case does not stop here, we will make more arrests," the policeman said.

Drug use and supply are being targeted by the communist government in their ongoing crackdown on "social evils." Prostitution and gambling are other activities that the government is trying to eradicate. Police are investigating whether the seven suspects who were arrested last week and are aged between 18 and 37, have any links to organized crime boss Troung Van Cam (aka Nam Cam). Arrested last December, Nam Cam is suspected of running an extremely lucrative and wide-ranging criminal network. The gang leader and 156 accomplices - including more than 20 officials and police - go on trial in Ho Chi Minh City in February 2003.

Deutsche Presse Agentur - December 05, 2002.