HÀ NỘI — Customs authorities and the police in Hà Nội have successfully intercepted a large shipment of synthetic drugs, marking the largest seizure of its kind via air transport.

The operation, codenamed HP524, was initiated on May 30, following intelligence gathered through surveillance, investigations and extensive experience in combating drug trafficking.

The operation specifically targeted a suspected drug trafficking ring smuggling Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA) from Germany into Việt Nam through Nội Bài International Airport.

The swift response of the authorities has ultimately led to the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of approximately 179kg of the synthetic drug commonly known as ecstasy.

Last week, the police said legal proceedings were underway against 961 suspects accused of producing, trafficking, storing and using drugs following a year-long investigation into the case of flight attendants illegally transporting drugs from France to Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

The police announced that they have successfully broken up hundreds of drug trafficking rings in HCM City, Bình Dương Province and Đồng Nai Province.

179 kilograms of MDMA synthetic drugs concealed within 46 packages. — Photo anninhthudo.vn

Suspects cut open apple juice cans to hide the illicit drugs. — Photo anninhthudo.vn

Some of the confiscated drugs. — Photo anninhthudo.vn