Hue police bust ring smuggling 9,300 electric detonators from Laos into Vietnam

The Economic Security Division under the Hue Department of Public Security on Wednesday said it had coordinated with relevant units to uncover the ring and seize a large quantity of explosive materials brought into Vietnam from neighboring Laos on long-haul buses.

The city's police have detained and prosecuted two suspects in the case, including D.V.T., a resident of Quang Ngai Province, and V.Q.K., a resident of Da Nang City, on charges of illegally transporting and trading explosive materials.

The crackdown came after police and customs officers, while monitoring key areas and routes, detected signs that several people were collecting and transporting large quantities of explosive materials from Laos into Vietnam by long-haul buses for sale.

The information was passed to the Economic Security Division, which in early July 2026 worked with other professional units to verify the findings and review the vehicles and routes involved.

On July 9, authorities discovered five foam boxes being transported on a long-haul bus operating on a Laos-Vietnam route.

The boxes contained nearly 200 kilograms of electric detonators.

Expanding the investigation, city police identified the ring behind the illegal transportation and trading of explosive materials from Laos into Vietnam.

A specific plan to crack down on the ring was launched, leading police to seize nearly 9,300 electric detonators from July 9 to 17 and detain T. and K.

The city's police said they are continuing to expand their investigation into the case to track down others involved in the ring.

In recognition of the achievements in combating and dismantling the ring, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Pham The Tung sent a letter of commendation to Hue police, news site Vietnamnet reported.