On two separate occasions in early October 2025, local police forces in Vietnam’s Hung Yen and Quang Ngai provinces demonstrated swift, decisive action in tackling crime—earning praise from both authorities and the public. Their efforts not only brought suspects to justice but also sent a strong message about the importance of safety and the rule of law in Vietnamese communities.
In Chi Minh commune, Hung Yen province, the morning of October 4 began with a troubling discovery for resident Mr. Đ.V.K. Around 9:00 AM, he found that his home had been burglarized and a staggering sum—250 million Vietnamese dong—had vanished from his safe. Without delay, he reported the incident to the local police, setting off a rapid sequence of investigative maneuvers.
According to a report published by the Hung Yen Police Department, the officers of Chi Minh commune wasted no time. They quickly implemented a series of investigative techniques—interviewing witnesses, canvassing the neighborhood, and narrowing down their list of potential suspects. Their diligence paid off. By 1:00 PM, just four hours after the initial report, the police had identified and apprehended the suspect: Lê Thị Thủy, born in 1991 and a resident of the same commune.
During questioning at the police station, Thủy confessed not only to this latest theft but also revealed a pattern of repeated burglaries targeting Mr. K. Over four separate incidents, she admitted to stealing a total of approximately 350 million dong, all of which had been stashed in the same bedroom safe. After each theft, Thủy deposited the stolen money into her personal bank account, using it for her own purposes. The police are now consolidating evidence and preparing to process the case in accordance with Vietnamese law.
This rapid response and successful apprehension drew attention from local residents, who expressed relief and appreciation for the police’s efficiency. As reported by Hương Giang for the Hung Yen Police, the incident highlighted the importance of community trust and the vital role local law enforcement plays in maintaining public safety.
But the story of swift police action in Vietnam did not end there. Just days earlier, in Van Tuong commune, Quang Ngai province, police officers were recognized for their outstanding work in cracking down on illegal drug activity—a problem that has plagued many rural areas in recent years.
On October 3, the People’s Committee of Van Tuong commune held a special meeting to commend the local police force and six individual officers for their exceptional performance in investigating and solving a case involving the illegal sale of narcotics. The recognition came after a tense week of investigation, which began on September 26 when police confronted N.P.C, born in 1996, for illegal drug use. This confrontation led officers to suspect T.V.N, born in 1995, of selling drugs to N.P.C just two days prior.
With determination and methodical police work, the Van Tuong force spent two days tracking and interrogating T.V.N. According to a statement from the Quang Ngai provincial police, “Before the sharp evidence and reasoning of the investigators, T.V.N bowed his head and admitted his crime.” T.V.N, who was unemployed and had long been under police scrutiny for suspicious behavior, finally confessed to the crime.
The investigation culminated on September 30, when police, accompanied by other authorities, searched T.V.N’s residence. There, they discovered a transparent plastic tube containing a white crystalline substance—believed to be illegal drugs—as well as various tools commonly used for drug consumption. That same day, the Quang Ngai provincial police issued an urgent arrest warrant for T.V.N, who was promptly taken into custody for further investigation.
At the awards ceremony, Ung Đình Hiền, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Van Tuong Commune People’s Committee, praised the officers for their courage and professionalism. He stressed that their actions had garnered broad public support and served as a powerful deterrent, helping to clean up the community and ensure that those involved in drug-related crimes would face strict punishment. “This achievement has received the consensus and support of the public, creating a strong deterrent effect and contributing to purifying the area,” Hiền declared, according to the official statement.
Lieutenant Colonel Lê Văn Hùng, Chief of Van Tuong Commune Police, added that the fight against drugs was far from over. Since July 1, 2025, his team had rolled out a series of measures and plans aimed at preventing and combating not only drug offenses but other types of crime as well. “Once again, the Van Tuong commune police send a strong message about the dangers of the ‘white death’—never try it, not even once—and the severe sentences awaiting anyone who organizes, uses, or traffics drugs illegally,” Hùng emphasized during the event.
The community’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Residents voiced their support for the police’s efforts, noting that a visible, effective response to crime helps foster a sense of security. In rural Vietnam, where community ties run deep and word travels fast, such victories against crime can have a ripple effect—discouraging would-be offenders and strengthening public trust in law enforcement.
Both cases also shine a light on the evolving strategies of local police in Vietnam. In the face of increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, officers have relied on a blend of traditional investigative methods and modern technology—such as banking surveillance and forensic analysis—to stay one step ahead. The success in both Chi Minh and Van Tuong communes underscores the importance of quick action, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement in solving crimes and maintaining order.
While these incidents represent only a small slice of the ongoing battle against theft and narcotics in Vietnam, they serve as a reminder that vigilant, dedicated police work can make a tangible difference. When the stakes are high and the community is watching, a few hours—or even a few days—can mean the difference between chaos and justice.
As the legal process continues for the suspects in both cases, local residents and officials alike remain hopeful that these victories will inspire continued vigilance and cooperation. In the words of one official, “Strict handling of drug-related offenses and theft not only punishes the guilty but also protects the innocent and preserves the peace we all cherish.”
