The size of the seizure makes it one of the largest ever in the province, said Major General Le Van Bay, director of the Lai Chau Police Department, at a news conference, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

So far, one Lao resident, Sung A Thai, and a resident of the province of Dien Bien, Ho A Chua, have been arrested, said Major General Bay, with more arrests expected as the investigation continues.

Acting on a tip from informants, Major General Bay said, police moved swiftly to intercept the drugs and dismantle the ring following a 15-day investigation that is believed to involve dozens of Mong ethnic minority men acting in concert with Lao residents.

All the drugs were intended for distribution in Vietnam.

The transnational criminal syndicate that we have dismantled today was a robust, resilient and determined enterprise, Major General Bay said. In addition to the drugs, physical evidence including motorbikes and four mobiles were appropriated.