5 Laotians get life sentences for trafficking nearly 100kg of drugs into Vietnam

The court held a criminal trial for the defendants, including Tik Xayasane, 53, Lembi Kingvannouvong, 35, Sisamout Sisomboun, 29, Sengphet Keosevan, 29, and Sengphet Keonouvong, 39, on charges of illegal drug trafficking. 

The trial was conducted online, with the accused appearing remotely from a detention center.

According to the indictment, the five men transported nearly 100 kilograms of methamphetamine from Laos into Vietnam between March 27 and March 30, 2024. 

They entered through the Cau Treo International Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province and traveled toward Lao Bao in Quang Tri Province to complete the delivery and receive payment.

Sengphet Keosevan and Tik Xayasane, who both speak Vietnamese, were responsible for receiving the vehicle carrying the drugs. 

They then joined the other three defendants in Lao Bao to look for a recipient.

On March 30, the group was intercepted and arrested by authorities on National Highway 9 in Lao Bao. 

Police seized the methamphetamine along with related documents and materials.

During the investigation, Tik Xayasane, Sisamout, Lembi, and Sengphet Keosevan admitted to participating in previous drug transport operations for payment. 

At the trial, all five defendants confessed to the charges and, speaking through interpreters, asked the court for leniency in the hope of rehabilitation and a chance to rebuild their lives.

The court ruled that their actions posed a serious threat to public safety and ordered life sentences for each of them. 

The sentencing was issued under new regulations that came into effect on July 1, 2025, which eliminate the death penalty for eight criminal offenses, including drug transport.