A pair of Australians have been arrested in Ho Chi Minh City for running a drug smuggling operation.

According to Vietnamese online news, VN Express, the two have been identifed as Vietnamese-Australian siblings Lam Kim Phung and Lam Dao Long.

The duo have been accused of running leading a gang that trafficked heroin and methamphetamine from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City.

While no drugs were reported on the two at the time of arrest, VN Express reported that an accomplice was caught with more than three kilograms of drugs during a failed deal on November 28.

Three other alleged members have also been arrested.

Further investigations are ongoing.

Vietnam’s drug laws are some of the world’s toughest. Selling 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of methamphetamine is punishable by death.

– TiVi Tuan-san