Rising Wave of Coffee Thefts in Gia Lai Province
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Farmers across Vietnam’s Central Highlands are facing an alarming surge in coffee cherry theft, with thieves stealing freshly harvested beans to fund nights of drinking and entertainment.
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Mang Yang District, Gia Lai: At 1 a.m. on December 7, police stopped two young men on a motorbike carrying two sacks of coffee near De Kop village, Kong Duong township. When ordered to stop, they attempted to flee but were quickly arrested.
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The suspects—Nguyễn Tuấn Cường (17) and Ngô Đức Thạnh (19)—confessed to stealing the coffee from a local household in Zone 8.
Theft Extends Beyond Coffee
Further investigation uncovered a string of thefts: the same group had stolen 40 water pumps across the township earlier this year. Police recovered 70 kg of dried coffee cherries and six water pumps as evidence. Both suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
Violent Robbery in Chư Pah District
Earlier, Chư Pah District police caught six suspects stealing coffee from farmer Võ Bình in Mơ Châm Yố 2 village, Ia Nhin commune:
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Rơ Châm Sưng (25)
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Rơ Châm Yuêng (21)
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Rơ Châm Khê (17)
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Rơ Châm Nhưng (24)
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Rơ Châm Nư (22) – all from Ia Ka commune
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K’sor Rúp (27) – from Ia Ly commune
On November 24, after a late-night drinking session at Ia Mơ Nông Lake, they decided to steal freshly harvested coffee. When caught in the act, they attacked the farmer’s family and carried off the cherries to sell for more drinking money.
Farmers on High Alert During Harvest
This series of incidents highlights the growing security risks for coffee growers during peak harvest season:
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Coffee prices are high, making freshly picked cherries a tempting target.
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Thieves strike in the early hours, often using motorbikes to transport stolen goods.
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Violence can occur when farmers confront thieves.
Local authorities across the Central Highlands are urging farmers to strengthen night patrols and report suspicious activity immediately. With global coffee prices soaring, harvest-season security has become as critical as the crop itself.