SUNTV Global Channel | August 18, 2026
A 41-year-old Nigerian national, identified as Izuchukwu Calistus Odionye, has been arrested by Vietnamese authorities over the alleged smuggling of about 2kg of suspected crystal methamphetamine and two bricks of suspected heroin into Vietnam.
According to reports, the narcotics were intercepted at the Lao Bao International Border Gate in Quảng Trị Province, after customs officials subjected freight vehicles arriving from Laos to routine X-ray screening.
The scanning equipment reportedly detected suspicious items inside a consigned package. A subsequent physical inspection allegedly uncovered the suspected drugs concealed inside hollowed-out electric water heaters and electronic equipment components.
Following the discovery, Vietnamese border guards, customs officials and drug enforcement officers launched a controlled delivery operation to identify the intended recipient of the shipment.
Authorities reportedly tracked the consignment across several provinces before arresting Odionye in Ho Chi Minh City while he was taking delivery of the package.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted that the package contained narcotics and told investigators he had been paid to receive the consignment in Ho Chi Minh City before transporting it onward to Hanoi.
Vietnamese authorities have since expanded their investigation as they seek to identify other individuals allegedly connected to the cross-border drug trafficking operation.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments in the case.
