2 Lao nationals arrested for allegedly transporting 633kg of fireworks, 35 drug tablets into Vietnam

The Quang Tri Border Guard Command said on Monday that its forces had coordinated with relevant agencies to bust the large-scale smuggling operation.

At around 1:00 am on Sunday, the border guards, in coordination with the customs unit at the Cha Lo International Border Gate and other specialized units, inspected a Lao-registered tractor-trailer shortly after it entered Vietnam.

The vehicle was driven by Ma Ni Lot Tom, a 34-year-old Lao national, with Su Van Na Kham Di Ba Thay, 36, also from Laos, traveling with him.

Authorities discovered 484 boxes of explosive fireworks, weighing a total of 633kg, hidden on the vehicle, as well as 35 synthetic drug tablets.

The two suspects reportedly confessed that they had been hired to transport the fireworks from Laos into Vietnam for sale, while they carried the 35 synthetic drug tablets for personal use during the journey.

The case is under further investigation.