According to the indictment, at around 12 p.m. on January 4, 2024, during customs procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, customs officials discovered more than 3.5 kilograms of heroin hidden under the bottom lining of a checked suitcase belonging to Lee Je Siang.

During the investigation, Lee claimed she had been contacted via email and WhatsApp by a person named Jeremy Bern Ton (identity unknown), who allegedly instructed her to receive compensation funds. Jeremy then introduced her to another person named Dennis Holman (also unidentified), who guided her through transporting “documents confirming fund issuance” and gift suitcases through multiple countries.

This was reportedly Lee Je Siang’s fourth time carrying out Jeremy’s instructions.

Lee stated that upon receiving the suitcase from Jeremy’s associate, she found it empty. While in Laos, she added clothes to it. She believed that transporting the “fund documents,” along with clothes and souvenirs, to various countries would help her receive a compensation amount of USD 10.5 million. However, she failed to provide any proof of the fund's existence, stating she only received money from Dennis.

Dennis covered her travel and related expenses, transferring Lee approximately USD 2,500 per trip in several installments. After deducting expenses, Lee said she kept around USD 500-600 from each journey.

At the trial, the prosecution charged Lee under Clause 4, Article 250 of the Penal Code for illegal drug transportation and recommended the death penalty due to the seriousness of the offense.

The court determined that her actions were particularly serious, endangered society, and violated national regulations on drug management and prevention. A harsh penalty was necessary for deterrence and individual reform.

However, since the crime occurred on January 4, 2024, the court applied the 2015 Penal Code (amended in 2017). Crucially, on June 25, 2025, the National Assembly passed amendments to the Penal Code that abolished the death penalty for drug transportation offenses. These amendments took effect on July 1, 2025.

Thus, on July 2, the court applied the revised law and sentenced Lee Je Siang to life imprisonment.

As for Jeremy Bern Ton and Dennis Holman, their identities and whereabouts remain unknown, and police in Ho Chi Minh City could not pursue legal action against them due to a lack of information.

Thanh Phuong