Two drug traffickers are arrested for their involvement in the case. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Police and customs officers of Hà Nội have seized 98kg of synthetic drugs sent from Germany, police authorities announced on Friday.

Colonel Phạm Quỳnh, deputy head of the Drug Crime Investigation Department under Hanoi City Police, said three people have been arrested.

Upon examining suspicious parcels sent from Germany to Việt Nam via Nội Bài International Airport, the police and customs found and seized 98 kg of synthetic drugs, he said.

The drugs confiscated were 45 kg ecstasy (MDMA) and 53 kg ketamine hidden in parcels.

The drugs confiscated by Hà Nội's police.

Quỳnh said the drug traffickers took advantage of the express delivery to illegal transport drugs from abroad to Việt Nam which were hidden in goods such as coffee-making machines, air purifiers and candy bags to escape the inspection of the authorities.

According to a report of Hà Nội’s Drug Crime Investigation Department, from November 15, 2022 to January 5, 2023, the police busted 472 cases and arrested 734 people for their drug related crimes, consficating more than 110.1 kg of drugs.

Vietnamese law stipulates that those convicted of smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine are punishable by death. Making or trading 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal drugs also carries the death penalty. VNS