While Spice Jet pilots got suspended after posting a picture on social media, four Vietnam Airlines cabin crew are in bigger trouble as they were caught smuggling drugs into Vietnam.
Four Vietnam Airlines Cabin Crew Caught Smuggling 10Kg Of Drugs
According to VnExpress, a local Vietnamese media outlet, on March 16, 2023, Ho Chi Minh’s security personnel arrested four female Vietnam Airlines cabin crew members, who were operating flight number VN10 from Paris(CDG) to Ho Chi Minh City(SGN).
The arrested crew members were carrying drugs into toothpaste tubes inside their luggage and according to the investigation, the drugs contained in toothpaste tubes totaled 10kgs or 22lbs, which were identified as ecstasy and synthetic drugs.
During interrogation, they all stated that at Paris – Charles De Gaulle airport, an unidentified man gave them 10 million Vietnamese Dong (~$423) to bring the package to Hanoi. Obviously, the crew perhaps agreed to carry the package in a kind favor but this had landed them into a serious situation.
The crew also mentioned that they were all “exhausted” after a long flight, did not check the package thoroughly, and did not notice any abnormal signs. The package also got through customs in Paris without any problems, only when arriving in Vietnam did they learn what they had really carried.
Ho Chi Minh City’s public security and Vietnam Airlines are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the incident and it is believed that all four crew members are now in custody.
Vietnam’s Strict Illegal Drug Law
We all know the majority of Asian countries have very strict laws on drugs and smugglers can get up to the death penalty when convicted. Whilst the details about further drugs other than ecstasy or synthetic are not found, Vietnam’s law on illegal narcotics states that:
- Persons who commit illegal possession of narcotic substances in Vietnam will face a minimum penalty of 1 year up to life in prison
- Those caught carrying or smuggling methamphetamine that weighs more than 600 grams (1.3 lbs) or 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lbs) of heroin will be sentenced to death
Since all four cabin crew were caught, it is believed that all of them will likely face some time in prison.
NEVER EVER Carry Items That Are Given By A Stranger
This incident gives a view that no matter what never receive or transport a package or item that is given by a stranger. Even if a stranger convinces or persuades you with cash when asking to carry the item, always NEVER ACCEPT it.
There are a couple of TV shows from the National Geographic channel where it documents daily moments at some of the major airports. From the series, there are so many different ways smugglers try to carry illegal substances and give all sorts of excuses to avoid punishments.
Summary
On March 16, 2023, four Vietnam Airlines cabin crew were caught at Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City airport after being caught smuggling 10kg worth of illegal narcotics from Paris. They will be likely to be convicted of possession of illegal substances and face prison sentencing and depending on the type of narcotics they carry, they might face up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
I strongly advise my readers to never accept anything from strangers who ask them to carry items – whether it is small or large – or you may be a victim in very unlikely situations.
